Veteran Recognition for Rick Smith

Senior Master Sergeant Richard D. Smith enlisted in the United States Air Force in August of 1967. He completed Basic Training at Amarillo AFB, Texas, and went on to Tech School at Chanute AFB, IL to become an Aircraft Pneudraulic Repairman. Rick then reported to his first permanent duty station,  Dover AFB DE, in February of 1968. There he worked on C-124 Globemasters, C-141 Starlifters, and C-133 Aircraft. In early 1969, he was reassigned to Langly AFB, Virginia to work on C-130 Hercules Aircraft. In October of 1969, Rick was shipped to Vietnam to work on 0-1 Birddogs and O-2 Skymasters in the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) at Bien Tuey Air Base in 4 Corp, Mekong Delta. In addition to Bien Tuey AB, his unit also supported approximately a dozen Forward Air Control Sites scattered over 4 Corp.

In February 1970, the 22 TASS was disbanded and absorbed by the 19th TASS located at Bien Hoa AB, in 3 Corp. In addition to 0-1 & 0-2 aircraft, they also maintained Ov-10 Bronco aircraft and supported 15 Forward Air Control Sites in 4 Corp. There was frequent travel to these sites to repair aircraft that were unable to fly to Bien Hoa. Rick got to see a lot of the countryside while flying to these various sites.

In October of 1970, he completed his one-year tour of duty and was shipped to Andrews AFB where he worked on a variety of aircraft used to ferry politicians and high-level government employees. Rick completed his enlistment there in August of 1971.

In November of 1972, Rick enlisted in the Air Force Reserves at Andrews AFB, MD. He became a full-time Aircraft Mechanic in the Reserve Program in June of 1973, a position he maintained until June 1981. Rick remained in the Air Force Reserves until June of 1984 and then transferred to the Maryland Army National Guard where he achieved the Military Rank of Sergeant First Class E-7. In February of 1995, he transferred back to the Air Force Reserve and achieved the rank of Senior Master Sargeant E-8. Rick retired in February of 2000.

Rick married his sweetheart, Rosemary, in August of 1980. They raised two sons, Matthew and Danial. Matthew and his wife, Elizabeth are the parents of their dearly loved grandson, Ethan.

Rick is a Regular Member at VFW Post 7012 and previously served as Post Commander. He currently serves as a Trustee