Person of Influence

He stood six feet and 5 inches.  As a graduate of Virginia State on a ROTC scholarship, he became an infantry officer who served in Viet Nam.   As a mere 19-year old Army Specialist, I will admit to being intimidated by this towering officer.

I first encountered Lt. Colonel Samuel Edward Simmons upon being called into his office. Being a bit nervous, I answered his questions and must have uttered "Sir" at least 2 times for every word I spoke.  Relieved that the interaction was almost over but before I could leave, he asked "where are you from in the world?" (the question used by us assigned to Germany for where are you from in the USA?)

My response was "Sir, I am from a small town that you probably never heard of called Hopewell, VA".  To which, he responded excitedly "I'm from Petersburg, VA.!"  This provided us with a common bond.  In the military, the world gets much smaller.

I came to respect Colonel Simmons greatly.  Like, Omar Bradley, he was a soldier's officer always taking time to talk with the enlisted, share a smoke break, and always watching out for their well being.   Despite having risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel, he often experienced discrimination for being African-American, not being a graduate of West Point, and having left the Infantry for the Adjutant General's Corps (administration).  That discrimination he experienced enabled him to empathize with the enlisted and provided him with a unique bond with others.  He practically knew, addressed, and referred to all of us enlisted by our first names.

As my assignment in Germany was concluding, Colonel Simmons asked me where I wanted to be reassigned.  I had clear idea.  So, he suggested Carlisle Barracks, PA which was home of the Army's War College.  His plans were to return to Carlisle Barracks, finish out his time, and then retire.  He assured me that this was done deal as he had contacts.  Well, his contacts weren't as solid as he thought.   We both ended up at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.  I concluded my enlistment working for Colonel Simmons at Aberdeen.

Colonel Simmons taught me much in the realm of interacting with others.  He had a self-deprecating humor that disarmed others and drew people close to him.  In retrospect, I believe he had natural charisma that transcended his physical presence.  I wish that I could have worked with him longer to learn more and emulate him.