About The Author

Derrick W. Leath

Lieutenant Colonel Derrick W. Leath was born in 1974 in El Paso, Texas, in a family that has a long history of military service. His early life went through Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas, where the desire to become part of the military gained its fullness. In 1993, Leath joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the 24th Marine Regiment (Reserve) Infantry, then the 4th Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO). He was also passionately interested in airborne operations, and being a highly skilled fighter, he managed to stay in a specialized position with close-air support, weapons coordination, and nocturnal parachuting being the primary focus.

In 2003, Leath and his colleagues were mobilized and deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where they engaged in combat activities in Iraq. This is because of their exemplary service that earned them several United States Combat Medals, and some were awarded the honor of valor. Currently living in Georgia with his family, Leath is firm in his decision to serve the military, since he still helps in many activities in uniform and without the uniform.