Derrick Anderson (politician)

• Iraq War
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom
• War in Afghanistan

Derrick M. Anderson
Official portrait, 2025
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict
Nominee
Assumed office TBD
Awards	Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal Army Commendation Medal (5) NATO Medal

Derrick M. Anderson (born August 4, 1984) is an American politician, lawyer, and military officer. On June 18, 2024, Anderson beat Cameron Hamilton in the 2024 Republican primary to become the Republican nominee for 2024 election in Virginia's 7th congressional district. He narrowly lost in the general election to Democrat Eugene Vindman. ^[1] On April 9, 2025, he was appointed to be the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) ^[2] and was later nominated on June 3, 2025 to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. ^[3] He currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army National Guard as a Green Beret.

Early life and education

Anderson was born in Wheeling, West Virginia and raised in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in political science. He also received a JD from Georgetown University Law Center.

Military service

In 2006, Anderson commissioned as a second lieutenant in United States Army into the infantry. Anderson later graduated from Ranger School. He became a platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division in their deployment in Iraq. Anderson was selected for United States Army Special Forces where he later served as an A-Team commander. He deployed in several countries in the Middle East, including in Afghanistan. He was also the ground commander when 2014 Gaza Valley airstrike occurred and five American soldiers were killed in a friendly fire incident. ^[4]

USAF General Jeffrey L. Harrigian blamed Anderson for the incident, however, Anderson was later cleared and faced no military action related the incident. ^[5]

Personal life

In 2024, Anderson said he was engaged to the fellow military officer Major Margaret Romanin after his congressional campaign was criticized for posting footage of him posing with a friend's wife and three daughters with the implication it was his own family; his campaign website said he was unmarried and lived alone with his dog. ^[6]

References

1. More • •, Maggie (November 7, 2024). "Derrick Anderson concedes to Eugene Vindman in Virginia's 7th District race". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
2. "L5 Swagger UI". api.army.mil. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
3. Harper, Jon (June 3, 2025). "Trump nominates former congressional candidate, Green Beret to oversee special operations forces". DefenseScoop. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
4. "Derrick Anderson (L'19): Service and Sacrifice" . Retrieved May 23, 2025.
5. Whitaker, Bill (November 12, 2017). "Why were 5 U.S. soldiers killed by an American bomber in Afghanistan? - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
6. Karni, Annie; Edmondson, Catie (September 27, 2024). "G.O.P. Candidates, Looking to Soften Their Image, Turn to Their Wives". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved June 26, 2025.