Retired Major General Simmons to Keynote 2025 Veterans Day Event

Major General Randall V. Simmons, Jr., Retired, is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming American Legion Veterans Day event. This annual ceremony will be held on November 11 at the Averitt Center for the Arts in Downtown Statesboro.

Event Details

The Veterans Day celebration will commence at 11 AM, with complimentary doughnuts and coffee available starting at 10:30 AM. Attendees can expect an insightful presentation from General Simmons, who has a wealth of experience in military leadership.

About Major General Randall V. Simmons, Jr.

Major General Simmons is a highly decorated leader with a notable military career spanning 34 years. He retired in March 2023 after serving in various capacities in the U.S. Army and Georgia Army National Guard. His service commenced in 1989 as a Field Artillery Forward Observer.

Educational Background

• Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University (Class of 1995)
• Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College
• Advanced National Security programs at Harvard, Syracuse University, and the National Defense University

Military Leadership Roles

Throughout his career, Major General Simmons held several key leadership positions:

• Commanding General, Joint Task Force North, Fort Bliss, TX (2020–2022)
• Commanding General, Georgia Army National Guard, Marietta, GA (2016–2020)

Combat Deployments

General Simmons participated in three significant combat missions:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005–2006): Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery
• Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2009–2010): Commander, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment
• Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (2014): Commander, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Current Roles

Today, Major General Simmons is the President and CEO of Eagle Creek Leadership Solutions and Mantis Logistics. He also holds the position of Director at the Georgia Southern Athletics Leadership Institute and serves as the Chairman of the Membership Committee for the National Guard Association of the United States.

Family

Major General Simmons is married to Yetive Simmons, a Double Eagle graduate from Georgia Southern University. The couple has two children, Callie (17) and Luke (14).

The event promises to be a meaningful occasion to honor veterans and hear from an accomplished speaker like Major General Simmons.