Derek W. Beck is an historian whose history writing has appeared in multiple history journals, scholarly works, and reviews and has been cited by The Boston Globe among other publications. He is a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, and is the recipient of numerous medals and awards for his achievements. Beck's education includes a Master of Science degree in Engineering & Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Vicky.