US ARMY

59th Veteran of the Quarter

Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter

Ronald Simmons, US ARMY

Nominated by: Ron Rowden

Ronald D Simmons was drafted into the United States Army on June 12, 1966. He reported to Ft. McCullan in Alabama for Basic Training for 9 weeks, followed by Advanced Individual Training from August 1966 until his deployment.

In November 1966, Simmons received orders to report to The Republic of South Vietnam. In December 1966, he was assigned to the 212th Aviation Battalion in South Vietnam. He served there for the next 22 months. In October 1968, he returned to the United States where he received orders to report to the National Guard Headquarters in Great Lakes, IL. Simmons was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army in November 1972 at the rank of Corporal (E4).

Simmons received many awards and accolades to include the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Metal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Infantry Cord, and the Air Crew Badge (Wings).

Following service, Simmons became involved in several Veteran organizations and events. He is a Life Member of the VFW. He was the first Vietnam Veteran Post Commander at the VFW Post 5818 in Lombard, IL where he also served on the Color Guard. He served in the Villard Fire Department in Lombard, IL and the Salem Fire Department in Salem, IL. He served as the Battalion Chief and Fire Chief at Central Taney County/Forsyth Fire Department as well as the Central Taney County Rescue Squad and Water Rescue Dive Team. His certifications include Repelling, Car & Aircraft Exploitation and LP Gas, and Fire Fraud Investigation. Simmons served as Treasurer and Exalted Ruler of Rockaway Beach Elks Lodge. He is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA-913) and served as President for 3.5 years and was on the Honor/Color Guard. He is an Associate Member at The College of the Ozarks and served on a team that sanctioned for the Vietnam Memorial at the College of the Ozarks. He served with VVA-1119 where they founded the Honor/Color Guard and Veterans Assistance Program. He is a Charter/Life Member of the Veterans of the Ozarks serving as Honor/Color Guard Captain and Veterans Assistance Program Chair. He is a member of the Branson VFW, American Legion, and Kimberling City Elks Lodge. Simmons resides in Forsyth, Missouri with his wife, Lois. The family enjoys spending time with their grandchildren.

Veterans are chosen by a panel of peers. To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please visit: www.bransonbank.com or stop by any Branson Bank location to pick up a Nomination Form. THE PROUD. THE STRONG. THE LOYAL. OUR VETERANS!