Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer received the award for meritorious service in the field of forward arming and refuelling and aviation special operations, and as the leadership master at the warrant officer and non-commissioned officer academy.

His commendation read: “Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer's exemplary performance has made a significant contribution to the aviation capability of the Australian Defence Force and has enhanced the reputation of the Army Aviation Corps.

“His unwavering and deep dedication to improving the proficiency, leadership, and welfare of the Army's junior non-commissioned officers and soldiers has contributed to organisational success and cohesion within the aviation community and across the Australian Army.”

Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer was born and educated in Cootamundra, the son of John and Maureen Simpfendorfer. Completing his HSC in 1993, he joined the regular Army on July 26, 1994.

From the age of 12, until leaving school, he was a member of the local cadet unit, quickly rising to the rank of under officer under the leadership of Jacqui Vincent.

Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer has had a distinguished career, posted to 5th Aviation Regiment on completion of his initial employment training at Kapooka.

In 1997, he was posted to the HMAS Manoora, working with the Navy to refit and introduce landing platform amphibious.

He was promoted to corporal in 1999 and, in 2000 and 2001, was posted to Australia’s Federation Guard. While in this posting, Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer was selected to guard Buckingham and St James palaces in the UK, appointed catafalque party commander in Singapore, Greece and Crete, as well as raised, trained and commanded the precision drill team.

For these achievements, he was awarded the Australian Army Soldiers Medallion for exemplary service.

In 2009, Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer was one of two fully qualified armed reconnaissance helicopter forward arming and refuelling point commanders in the Army. He was heavily involved in the introduction of these helicopters, attending every live fire and weapons trial from August 2008 to October 2013. For his performance, leadership and commitment to this role Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer was awarded the Forces Commander Silver Commendation. 

In 2014, Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer was posted to the Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as an instructor. 

In 2016-17, he was appointed as Regimental Sergeant Major of the 6”‘ Aviation Unit, Holsworthy Barracks and in 2018 appointed RSM of Melbourne University Regiment. 

Warrant Officer Simpfendorfer has one daughter, Jewel, who attends university in the UK.