Litchfield Park’s Bill Simon earns place in Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame

 William Frank Simon, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel known for decades of military, civic and educational service in the West Valley, has been named to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Simon, who was born in Phoenix in 1946, served 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and Air National Guard. He enlisted in 1970 after graduating from Arizona State University and later earned his commission through the Arizona Officer Candidate School program in 1977. Over his career, he served in Infantry, Transportation, Quartermaster, Ordnance and Medical Service units before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1997. He also completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1990.

Outside the military, Simon spent more than four decades in Arizona banking, serving as a vice president and branch manager for Valley National Bank in Phoenix and First National Bank in Goodyear.

His record of community service spans numerous organizations, including Civitan in Globe, Kiwanis in Litchfield Park, Rotary in Buckeye and the Litchfield Park Historical Society. His veteran advocacy includes active roles with the Military Officers Association of America’s Luke Chapter, American Legion Post 61 in Avondale and the Arizona America250 Commission.

Simon is also widely known for his work preserving military history. He and his wife operate the 1st Lt. Frank Luke Jr. Memorial Museum and Research Center in Goodyear, dedicated to the Arizona World War I flying ace known as the “Arizona Balloon Buster.” Since opening in 2014, the museum and Simon’s “Desert Warriors” display team have provided educational outreach to hundreds of students and adults across the Valley.

“Good solid leadership is imperative and solid logistics is essential to success,” Simon said, reflecting on his career. “Your ability to properly ‘read’ folks you work with will greatly aid your success.”

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, established in 2001 by Unified Arizona Veterans, honors veterans who continue to make significant civic contributions after their military service. Simon is one of 15 veterans selected for induction in 2025.

Visit avhof.org for more information.