Hammons was born and raised in southern Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University, Athens, in 1977 with dual majors in health education (psychology focus) and communications (journalism focus), as well as graduate-level studies in guidance counseling.

Hammons’ first novel, MISSION INTO LIGHT, was published in February 2001 and introduced readers to the women and men of the Joint Reconnaissance Study Group, their adventures exploring the unknown, and their missions to help create a better world. The sequel, LIGHT’S HAND, was published in November 2001.

In Hammons’ two novels, a US joint-service military and intelligence team of ten women and men research emerging special topics. His movie screenplay combines both novels.