Derrick Eddie’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and second chances. Raised in Colfax, Louisiana, as one of six children in a single-parent home, he learned early what it meant to work hard and look out for others. As the middle child, he says he “caught it from both ends,” learning to navigate life between older siblings and younger ones who wanted to follow his lead. After a tough stretch as a young man, a cousin already serving in the Marines encouraged him to enlist as a way to start fresh. What began as an opportunity to change direction became a 22-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps and a lifelong commitment to service.
Derrick completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and went on to serve as a Machine Gunner and an Infantry Unit Leader. He deployed three times to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and eventually became a Drill Instructor, where his passion for leadership found its stride. Training new recruits, watching them grow, and seeing them graduate with pride became one of the most fulfilling parts of his military journey.
In 2010, Derrick was stationed in New Orleans with the Marine Forces Reserve and was later selected for promotion to First Sergeant. The promotion would have meant relocating to Japan, but after much consideration, he chose to retire in 2015 to be closer to his family in Louisiana.
Life after the military wasn’t without adjustment. Derrick missed the structure and camaraderie that came with serving. He eventually found both again in the industrial construction industry. Working in the plants reminded him of deployments—familiar faces, strong teams, and a shared sense of purpose.
A fellow Marine and longtime friend, Louis Swafford, introduced him to Performance Contractors several years ago. Derrick started on a job in Hackberry and quickly felt at home. Over time, he worked across various projects before landing at the Venture Global jobsite in Cameron, LA, where he’s now proud to call his home base.
For Derrick, Performance’s culture of respect and support for veterans stands out. He’s worked for several contracting companies over the years, but none, he says, have shown the same level of commitment. “Performance has been second to none in supporting veterans,” he said. “I’ve always been treated like family.”
When he’s not on the job, Derrick spends time at his farm in Colfax, where he raises and trains more than 20 standardbred horses. Competing in horse shows across the region gives him the same mix of challenge and reward that has driven him throughout his life. After more than two decades in uniform and years of leadership in the field, Derrick Eddie continues to live out the values that shaped him: hard work, integrity, and dedication to others. Performance is proud to honor his service and the example he sets every day.
