Derek is a native of South Lyon, Michigan and currently serves as the Operations Warrant Officer for Special Operations Detachment – Africa. As a U.S. Army Green Beret, Derek has served and deployed in a variety of roles within the Special Operations community over the past 22 years. Derek started his military career as an Infantry soldier in the 101st Airborne Division where shortly after 9-11 he volunteered for Special Operations. After completing the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2004 Derek was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, NC. Derek then transferred to the 19th Special Forces Group in San Antonio, TX in 2012 where he served as the Detachment Commander for SFODA 9535 before taking his current assignment.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word at San Antonio and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas A&M at College Station.

Derek is married to his wife, Maritza, and has three children, Daniel, Stephanie, and Sophia. Derek and his family currently reside in San Antonio, Texas, where you can find him on the various local golf courses.