Retired Major General Randall V. Simmons, Jr. will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Veterans Day event hosted by the American Legion. This significant ceremony is set for November 11 at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Downtown Statesboro, starting at 11 a.m. Attendees are invited to arrive early for complimentary doughnuts and coffee, available from 10:30 a.m.
About Major General Randall V. Simmons, Jr.
Major General Randall V. Simmons, Jr. is a distinguished military leader with a notable career spanning 34 years. He retired from the U.S. Army and Georgia Army National Guard in March 2023. As a decorated officer, he brings a wealth of experience to the Veterans Day event.
- Current Roles:
- President and CEO of Eagle Creek Leadership Solutions
- President and CEO of Mantis Logistics
- Director of the Georgia Southern Athletics Leadership Institute
- Chairman of the Membership Committee for the National Guard Association of the United States
- Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Georgia Southern University (Class of ’95)
- Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College
- Advanced National Security programs at Harvard University, Syracuse University, and the National Defense University
Military Service and Leadership Experience
Major General Simmons began his military journey in 1989 as a Field Artillery Forward Observer. He became a Second Lieutenant in 1992 after completing the Georgia Military Institute Officer Candidate School. His leadership roles included:
- Commanding General, Joint Task Force North, Fort Bliss, TX (2020–2022)
- Commanding General, Georgia Army National Guard, Marietta, GA (2016–2020)
He has participated in three significant combat deployments:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005–2006): Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery, Task Force Cobra
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2009–2010): Commander, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Roughrider
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2014): Commander, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Volunteer
Personal Life
Major General Simmons is married to Yetive Simmons, a graduate of Georgia Southern University with degrees in Accounting and Business. They have two children, Callie (17) and Luke (14). This Veterans Day, he aims to inspire attendees with his insights drawn from a lifetime of service, making the event a memorable occasion.
