Navy Lieutenant Steven Simmons grew up in Northeast Ohio, where athletics quickly became a defining part of his life. He began wrestling in the second grade and continued through high school, while also playing soccer and competing in track and cross‑country.
After graduating from Perry High School in 1997, Simmons enlisted in the United States Navy, seeking direction and purpose. Military service offered the path forward when college was not an option. Simmons embraced the brotherhood and sense of purpose that came with helping others. In 2008, he expanded his commitment to service by becoming an EMT with the Nokesville Volunteer Fire Department.Â
Among his many achievements, Simmons is most proud of rising through the enlisted ranks to Petty Officer First Class and later earning his commission through the FY‑10 Chief Warrant Officer/Limited Duty Officer In‑Service Procurement Board. He was commissioned on April 1, 2010, as a Limited Duty Officer in Administration. Over the course of his career, he received numerous honors, including three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and multiple personal and unit awards.
While he earned distinctions such as Rookie Recruiter of the Year and several Junior Sailor of the Month and Junior Sailor of the Year awards, Simmons considers his greatest accomplishment to be the success of the junior Sailors he mentored. Watching them advance in rank, earn qualifications, and grow in confidence remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career.
During his 2011 combat deployment, Simmons’ ship was tasked with providing humanitarian relief to the people of Japan following the devastating 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. He suffered radiation poisoning during this mission, an injury that would profoundly shape the years that followed. Today, he lives as a bilateral above‑knee amputee and an incomplete C5 tetraplegic.
Despite these life‑altering injuries, Simmons continues to find joy and purpose. He spends his days with his family and dogs and remains active through adaptive sports. Receiving a mortgage‑free smart home through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been, in his words, a tremendous blessing—one that has lifted a heavy burden and provided long‑term stability for his family. After years of struggling to secure life insurance due to his service‑connected disabilities, the security of a fully paid home has eased fears about his family’s future. Simmons and his wife consider this gift a blessing from God and are grateful to be welcomed into the Tunnel to Towers family.
Simmons is deeply aware that he is not alone in suffering the long‑term effects of the Fukushima disaster. Many others have been overlooked or lost in the system, and he considers himself fortunate to still be here. As long as he is, he remains committed to advocating for those living with injuries and disabilities resulting from their service to the nation.
Above all, Navy Lieutenant Steven Simmons cherishes his role as a father and grandfather. He intends to continue enjoying adaptive sports, outdoor activities, and every moment he can with the people he loves. His guiding message is simple and unwavering: never give up, never quit, and trust in the Lord—because the right people will be placed in your life exactly when you need them.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Navy Lieutenant Steven Simmons with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.