Merrill “Doc” Simmerman, wearing the Saint Barbara’s medal and his wife Barb, wearing the Molly Pitcher medal, at a Indiana Military Academy (OCS) graduation dinner.
By Kelly Sawyers
Publisher
Merrill D. “Doc” Simmerman, Major (Ret.), 71, enlisted in the Army in 1974.
His basic training was at Fort Leonard Wood as commander of a radar battery. He was close to being deployed during the Gulf War, but never deployed for combat.
“The good Lord has kept me out of harm’s way,” said Simmerman.
He served in many training missions with the regular Amy at several military facilities in the U.S. and Germany.
During his Army career, he furthered his training at OCS, Command General and Staff College; and received many awards, but his highest was the Indiana National Guard Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon. This award is given to members of the Indiana National Guard who perform unusually distinguished meritorious service, which to a marked degree is reflected in the increasing efficiency of the militia, for which brings exceptional and great honor or credit and commands that attention and respect of the citizens of the State and members of the Military established through the United States.
He retired from his military career as a major in 2000. He held various positions in the United States Postal Service (USPS) and retired as district manager of TACS, USPS in 2010.
He stays busy in our community by being a door keeper for Indiana Senate when in session, Republican precinct committeeman, Mason at Southport Lodge/Scottish Rite/Shriner, a tour guide at the Scottish Rite, and board member of the German American Klub.
He also has stepped up many times and volunteered delivery of The Southsider Voice.
Simmerman and his wife, Barb, between them have six children,10 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. When his wife retired, they started BJ’s Lucky Dog Rescue and in the first 15 years, they have found homes for more than 60 dogs – one being my dog Reggie, rescued in 2011. Many of the rescues became members of their family.
He loves family time together and traveling to little getaways with Barb. They are young at heart and are the perfect match.
He enjoys photography and keeping active in many organizations and is always, always, always, ready to have a great cup of coffee.
Simmerman said, “It’s a wonderful life.”
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