LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airman Zachery Simpson, 47th Communications Squadron client systems technician, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of Dec. 6, 2017.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Michelle Pryor, 47th Flying Training Wing vice wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Simpson, a native of Leesburg, Ga., was noticed for many accomplishments, one of which was wiring the wing information assurance secret internet protocol router.
“We keep our classified material on the secret internet protocol router,” Simpson said. “If someone wasn’t constantly looking over and managing our security, it could get out to people who want to [harm] the United States.”
According to Simpson, if that type of information got out, it could leave the U.S. vulnerable and could compromise the mission.
Simpson diagnosed a 47th Medical Support Squadron connection flaw through identifying an administration error. He was coined for helping the medical group information technology specialists to get the first Windows 10 computer and getting onto the network.
“We worked hand-in-hand with the IT’s there,” Simpson said. “I was very surprised. Getting a coin gives a person recognition and makes them want to work harder.”
Simpson also created a Windows 10 deployment guide which safeguarded more than 2,000 users’ data profiles by putting together a step-by-step guide to streamline the deployment process.
“We have a server that pushes out deployments which helps the other IT’s around the base image computers,” Simpson said. ”We automated processes that would have taken a lot of time.”
Simpson also took time to give back to the community volunteering for the local school district.
Recently, Simpson volunteered at the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District science fair in the Del Rio, judging 60 projects. Being involved in this way helped maximize awareness for the community Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics program. Simpson said his favorite part was interacting with the children.
“I judged their science fair project and got to a lot of the younger people and help influence and mentor them,” Simpson said. “They see us walking around in uniform, and they don’t really know what we do. I was able to give them a little insight on that.”
Based on these accomplishments and more, Simpson was recognized at wing leadership for his hard work and excellence.