Early Years
Derek W. Simmons was born in Évreux, France many years ago to a military family. Along with his twin brother, Dennis, they were the last of a family of seven. Returning stateside, Derek grew up in many different military towns before moving to Montana. He attended several schools throughout this beautiful state, and finished his last four years of secondary school at Red Lodge High School; home of the mighty Redskins!
Military Career
Joining the U.S. Army before graduating from high school in 1980, Derek was ready to embark on a great journey! During his 14-year military career, he was able to travel the world. Derek was assigned to several overseas bases including Giessen, Germany; Friedberg, Germany; and Seoul, South Korea. He also served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Restore Freedom and a six-month tour in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Restore Hope and Operation Continue Hope. With several stateside assignments under his belt, SSG Simmons was stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, when a horrific accident ended his military career. Even with great effort, persistence, and determination, Derek was not able to convince the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Defense that he was ready to re-enter active duty. He was medically retired from the military in 1999.
Disabled Veteran Becomes Author
Unable to work due to his disabilities, Derek needed something to do. Wanting desperately to give back to his community and this great country, he set out to discover all the benefits and entitlements available to Arizona’s active-duty military personnel, retired veterans, and retired veterans with disabilities. Derek then wrote his first book titled, Veterans State Benefits – Arizona. Additionally, he formed a publishing company named America’s Warriors Books, LLC. Derek’s first book is now available at Amazon.
Chasing the Passion
After publishing his first book about Arizona State veterans benefits, Derek then set his sights on writing his second book about Texas State veterans benefits. Due to the sheer volume of veterans benefits there, Texas seemed to be a big stumbling block. However, he didn’t give up. After methodically digging and compiling all the hidden veteran’s benefits available to Texan veterans, Derek wrote his second book titled, Veterans State Benefits – Texas. This book is also available on Amazon.
Success Breeds Success
Derek’s first two veterans benefits references have become a huge success. These books, containing hard-to-find tips, have proven to be beneficial inspirations to all veterans. Accordingly, America’s Warriors Books. LLC will now continue improving veteran’s lives state-by-state. Our Veterans State Benefits Book Series will become an invaluable collection for every American military veteran. This series will consist of 50 books, one book for each state. Currently, Derek is working diligently on the book for his home state of Montana, fondly known as the Big Sky Country!
Proud Father & Grandfather
A loving father, Derek has a great son Michael and two beautiful, wonderful daughters,
Associations & Memberships
- Arizona Authors Association since 2018
- Better Business Bureau since 2019
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Life Member since 2012
- Disabled Veterans (DAV) Fry Chapter Member since 2007
- Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Member since 2019
~ SSG Derek W. Simmons, USA Retired, Disabled Combat Veteran
