Jake Klimpel

I am experienced in leadership and operational management with a track record of driving lasting change and functioning with little oversight. In December of 2019 I arrived at my first duty station, at the 60th Aerial Port Squadron Travis AFB CA (The Gateway to the Pacific) and the sole West Coast Aerial Port; supporting nine bases in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Upon arrival I was placed in an accountability role, ensuring reception of classified and sensitive materials and accurate turnover for further transportation. Within a year I was moved to Surface Freight, booking shipments of explosives and sensitive material; eventually taking a leadership position in the absence of a NCO. In 2022 I was submitted to attend Airman Leadership School, usually reserved for individuals that have already obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. I graduated six weeks later, as a supervisor and in 2023 made the rank of Staff Sergeant. Subsequently I took control of the Outbound Cargo section, leading over 30 members to successfully package, process and ship more than 10,000 shipments worldwide in FY 23 and 24.

I remained in charge of the Outbound Section of Travis until May of 2024 when I changed stations to the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Fairchild AFB WA, where I now preside over the Outbound Section; Directly supporting Nuclear deterrence and global reach for America. With a slower pace I have been able to focus on my education, completing my Community College of the Air Force degree (May 2025) and finishing my Associates of Applied Science Business at SCC (projected May 2026). Providing my Airman the experience, training and mentorship remains at the forefront of my mind as I begin my transition to the civilian world. My only goal is to ensure my Airman have all the tools and knowledge at their disposal to Fly, Fight, and Win!

Senior Airman Jake E. Klimpel distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Surface Freight Supervisor, 60th Aerial Port Squadron, 60th Maintenance Group, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California. During this period, Airman Klimpel led bunker operations by offloading and processing three hundred tons of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives, directly supporting 56 Presidential Drawdown missions to help sustain Ukrainian forces fight against Russia. Furthermore, he guided ten Airmen in the packaging and shipping process of seven thousand assets. His actions enabled four airframes to conduct 63,000 flying hours across eight thousand sorties. Additionally, he guided three Presidential Support Missions by securing nine trucks and transferring 146 tons to five locations, solidifying the Wing's Unit of the Year award in 2019. Finally, Airman Klimpel re-purposed a commercial truck for Special Immigration Visa support by transporting 8 tons of emergency medical supplies and providing humanitarian relief to two thousand Afghans, which was key to the Flight's Team of the Quarter win, the Squadron earning Air Mobility Command's Large Air Terminal of the year in 2022, and the Wing's Meritorious Unit Award. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Klimpel reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.