Since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, more than 7,000 American service members have been killed. A Gold Star family designation recognizes those families that experienced the loss of an immediate family member who died as the result of active-duty military service. We must continue to honor these service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families who lost their loved ones.
Krista Simpson Anderson is proud to serve as the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation’s Gold Star Fellow. In this role, she has the privilege of educating present and future generations on the impact the Global War on Terrorism has had on our community, our nation, and our Gold Star families.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am the Gold Star spouse of SSG Michael Harrison Simpson who died of wounds 5 days after an IED attack in Eastern Afghanistan, the mom of our two sons and the proud wife to MSG(R) Gus Anderson who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, 19 of those as a Green Beret. I co-founded The Unquiet Professional months after Mike died which is where I began to educate, advocate, and empower our military families.
You are the Gold Star spouse of US Army SSG Michael Harrison Simpson. Can you tell us about Michael and his service?
Mike grew up in the Army where his father served as a plank holder for the Special Forces Regiment. His mother was the epitome of a military spouse raising 4 children throughout his father’s career. Three of those children enlisted in the Army and the other serves as a civilian under the Defense Health Agency. Mike was raised a patriot and learned by example the importance of integrity while serving others.
In the beginning of his career (2003) he was assigned to Company D, 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, as a Rifleman. Mike continued to understand our military traditions and the mission to defend the dignity and honor of our fallen comrades. In 2006 Mike was assigned to Company C, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2009 Mike began the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group in 2011 upon earning his Green Beret.
2013 Mike deployed to Eastern Afghanistan with his company and was wounded returning from a mission. Despite the incredible efforts of his team, nurses, doctors and medics SSG Michael Harrison Simpson would be declared dead due to a fatal brain injury. His service was not over as he donated his organs and saved the lives of three men.
Mike was an incredible father and husband. He strived to make our lives the best they could be by leading in faith with a servant heart. His sense of humor brought light to every day and his faith brought peace in the midst of any chaos. He loved us until the very end.
You’re very active in your ongoing service to the military community, can you share more about what it is you do and why it is important to you?
I have been given many opportunities to serve our military community which has been a true gift. I began with The Unquiet Professional with educating, advocating, and empowering those who are military connected to include casualty support. The mission continues today in all I have been blessed to be a party of. A member of the Newrez Military Family Council and USAA Advisory Panel. A policy advisor for Tragedy Assistance for Survivors (TAPS), board member for The Grateful Nation Project and of course, Gold Star Fellow of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. I am dedicated to serving our nation’s most loyal families and my work allows me to carry on the legacy of not only my husband Mike but our children and my husband Gus as well. My faith and my work has brought me out of the darkness and into the light in creating a lasting legacy for our family.
Why is the Global War on Terrorism Memorial important to you and your family?
Those who have experienced history have a duty to educate future generations. It is important for people to know the impact of over two decades of war and the sacrifices that MANY have made to keep our nation and her people safe. It is a true blessing to me and my family to be a part of sharing the stories that will be carried on far after we are gone.
Image request: Can you share a picture of you, Michael and the kids? Also, if you have a picture that showcases your active involvement in the military community.
