Wall of Honor |
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Joseph Martin Simon Oregon Wing's first Command Chief Master Sergeant, Joseph M. Simon, 61, died in his sleep at his home near Myrtle Point, in Coos County, on November 4, 2007. He was born on August 5, 1946, in San Francisco. "Chief Joe", as he was affectionately known, had also served the Wing as Director of Cadet Programs. Serving on staff at several encampments and academies, he was widely known and respected by Cadets as well as Officers in the Wing. He served as Central Coast Composite Squadron's Deputy Commander for Cadets under two Commanders. He was also the Squadron Administrative Officer, and took on many other duties, as well. He had also served in CAP in California many years ago. Wing Commander, Colonel Ted Kyle, summed up Simon's CAP career. "He had a great effect on many of us," he said. "He showed us his love for the Army, CAP, and most importantly, our Cadets. He gave us his time, caring, and expertise as only he could. He will be missed." In addition to being the first Chief Master Sergeant in the Wing, Joe was active in the effort to see NCO's take a prominent place in the CAP structure. Pride in his stripes came from twenty-eight years of Army service, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. He was known as a stickler for flag protocol, and as an expert in all matters military. One of the Squadron's favorite program elements was "Stump the Chief", when Simon would take on all questions regarding the nation's military and political history. He was seldom stumped. While serving in the Army Reserves, he worked for the California Highway Patrol as a communications supervisor, retiring after twenty-four years with CHP. Some of his other accomplishments include private consulting and training in emergency management, which he did with his wife, Debbie. He was consulted by museums around the country regarding matters of protocol. He even trained with the guards at Buckingham Palace, and frequently received invitations from the Queen to attend her birthday celebrations. Joe attended law school, and had even attended a Catholic Seminary. He always told Cadets, "God first, then country and corps." Always a tireless worker, Joe was named as Parishioner of the Year at his church. He served as Commander of the American Legion in North Bend, and Vice Commander in Coquille. Active in the Forty-and-Eight, he worked to bring the State's Merci Boxcar to North Bend. His basement was full of model railroads. Civil Air Patrol Command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Simon is survived by his wife, 2d Lt Deborah Simon, and daughter, Cadet 2d Lt Frances Simon.
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