HISTORY
To his comrades in the 1st Special Forces Group, Staff Sergeant Michael H. Simpson was affectionately known as “the unquiet professional”. Instead of being low-key about his Green Beret status, as is the norm for most Green Berets, Simpson proudly announced his Special Forces title whenever he could. It was an honor for him to be considered among America’s best, and certainly an honor he earned.
While deployed in 2013 with C Company, 4th BN, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Simpson sustained injuries from an improvised explosive device just 20 days after arriving in Afghanistan. He died five days later on May 1, 2013, leaving behind a beloved wife, two young sons, and his large loving family.
Despite her sorrow, Krista, Simpson’s wife, was in complete awe of the support she received from the military community. Organizations like The Green Beret Foundation, Special Ops Warrior Foundation, USO, the Fisher House, and wear blue: run to remember stepped up immediately to be there for her family through the most difficult time of their lives - to include the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program, 1st Special Forces Group and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Inspired to give back to other military families, Krista and her close friend Andrea Rinaldi decided to do something. Together, they founded The Unquiet Professional that May, the same month Krista laid her husband to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
ONGOING VISION
Today The Unquiet Professional strives to educate, advocate and empower. Our programs support active duty, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, families and survivors.
From family and financial readiness to casualty support (and so much more in between), The Unquiet Professional has created programs and cultivated a community that offers specialized care to prepare for the unexpected and alleviate any immediate needs. Relationships are important and we believe in collaboration.
“There is nothing more beautiful than a community coming together and choosing you.” - Nicole Reyes.
OUR TEAM
As an all-volunteer organization, we have the ability to provide personal one-on-one interactions with our families. Meet our team here:
Krista Simpson Anderson
President & Chief Operating Officer
Krista Simpson Anderson is the proud wife of retired MSG Gus Anderson and a Gold Star spouse of Green Beret SSG Michael H. Simpson, who passed on May 1, 2013 due to injuries sustained in Afghanistan.
Andrea S. Rinaldi
Co-Founder
Both Krista and I hail from Western Massachusetts, meeting many years ago through mutual friends. As she moved from the Northeast to the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest engrossed in the Army life she very happily became a part of, I remained on...
Lauren Nakazono
Director of Operations
For over a decade, Lauren has passionately advocated for service members and their families, a commitment ignited by her partnership with Krista.
Mollie Parsons
Director of Development
My passion for veterans and military families was born in my volunteer work for my husband’s unit. I’ve been inspired and humbled as I’ve watched the sacrifice of our service-members...
Paul Joyce
Director of Veterans Programs
Originally from Cincinnati, OH and the eldest of 4 children. I joined the U.S. Army on September 10th, 2001 and spent 14 years on active duty...
Frank DiGiovanni
Executive Board Member
Thirty-nine years of government service. Twenty-six years as an U.S. Air Force officer holding aviation ratings as a B-52H navigator and F-15A and A-37B pilot.