Nashville, Tenn. -- Simmons interest in the military started in high school when he spent three years in Air Force Junior ROTC at Hixson High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Once in college, he realized he could relieve some tuition costs through the military.
Simmons joined the Air National Guard in 1998. The training he received with the 241st ES was instrumental in helping him secure a job with the phone company in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2002 Simmons made the decision to permanently move to Nashville and transfer his military service to the 118th Wing.
From there Simmons moved over to the command post where he stayed for a few years. When things began to change in Simmons personal life he started to look for more opportunities to serve.
Simmons began mentoring the student flight, getting them ready for basic training until an additional duty first sergeant position became available. In January 2016, Simmons received his training for additional duty first sergeant. Then in February of 2018, Simmons graduated from the first sergeant academy.
Simmons sees his time as a first sergeant as a blessing.