Gunnery Sergeant Franklin M. Simmons was born in Richmond, California, and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon. An Eagle Scout and congressional nominee to both West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy, he chose to enlist in the Marine Corps in 2002 to serve immediately following the onset of the Iraq War.

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After earning his MOS as an Infantry Mortarman, GySgt Simmons joined 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, deploying to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II and participating in Operation Vigilant Resolve and Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah. Following multiple combat deployments, he was selected for 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, later serving in both 1st and 2nd Reconnaissance Battalions, and with Special Operations Command (SOCOM) elements worldwide.

Throughout his 21-year career, GySgt Simmons deployed extensively in support of OIF, OEF, and OIR, operating in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and across Africa. His leadership and valor in the Battle of Shewan (2008) earned him the Silver Star Medal, the nation’s third-highest award for valor.

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After returning stateside, GySgt Simmons served as a Combat Instructor, Recon Challenge Officer in Charge, and Unit Information Officer at Recon Training Company, SOI–West, where he retired on May 31, 2023.

His personal decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award), and Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award).

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Post-retirement, Frank worked in defense technology and training with Anduril Industries, Fox 2 Sierra, and Deep End Fitness, continuing to contribute to the special operations community. He is a Fellow of The Honor Foundation and an active supporter of the Marine Recon Foundation, Recon & Sniper Foundation, and the Force Recon Association.

Frank resides in Temecula, California, with his wife Sara, their French bulldogs, and an ever-growing backyard farm.