9/11/2001 revealed America’s most extreme enemies. It showed us men that hated everything we stand for as a Nation. That day reminded us that, unlike other countries, we operate in a way that threatens everything some of our enemies cling to with their beliefs. Continue reading Why They Attacked US
I still remember the first time I heard “what if” in a negative way. I actually said it to myself right before my friend, Rebekah and I rode my Little Tikes green tractor and trailer down the steep hill in my back yard. As we were contemplating what we were about to do, I kept thinking “what if we wreck, what if we go straight into the trees, and what if this hurts.”
We ultimately decided to just go for it, and the end result was awesome! We hit speeds beyond what that little tractor was made for and quickly ran up the hill to do it again.
I think many times in life, we limit what we will attempt because we allow ourselves and people around us to scare us into worrying about “what if”. What if you don’t make any money, what if it doesn’t work, what if you end up getting hurt. The excitement that an idea once brought is quickly replaced by fear and worry over something that you’re not even sure is going to actually happen.
Decisions should be thought out, ideas prayed over and risk assessed, but at some point I think we need to focus on the “what if this actually works” part.
A few weeks ago I made a video, posted it on Facebook and sat back to see if there was going to be any response. I told my wife that it was either going to go viral or flop….it didn’t flop. The end result was even bigger than the “what if this actually works” that I had imagined.
We ended up raising almost $25,000 for our orphanage in India and I made a ton of awesome new friends in the process. I was completely blown away at what the video accomplished, and I am so thankful that I followed through with the idea God put on my heart.
As you go through your day today, allow yourself to think “what if” in a positive way. Think big, dream a little and picture what could happen…and then do something to get you closer to making it a reality.
Start a business, give someone a chance or just look for ways to serve in bigger ways than you have ever imagined. You will fail; you will get hurt. But when that one “what if” comes true, it will be totally worth the bumps and bruises you earned along the way.
It always was on the little green tractor.
I was blessed to have a mom that spent a ton of time with me when I was a kid. Not only did she spend time on the sidelines at all of my activities, she also allowed me to be a part of her life as well. Looking back on my childhood here are a few things I remember:
1. Mom had a good arm
In a family of all-boys we spent a lot of time in the yard throwing a ball back and forth. Whenever I needed someone to throw to, Mom was always there to fire the ball right back…with some speed and accuracy. I don’t remember what kind of purse she carried or what brand of shoes she wore, but I do know that she could throw a ball better than most kid’s dads. The best part wasn’t even that she could, it was that she would…anytime we asked.
2. Mom had huge heart
My parents never had a large salary, they have been in ministry since I was born. But even without the extra money I still watched as my mom would feed anyone and everyone that would say yes to a lunch or dinner invitation. Friends, church visitors, Virginia Tech quarterbacks, and even the random guy that walked up and down our road all frequented our house for mom’s special Sunday lunch of roast, carrots and potatoes. Oreo delight for dessert was a favorite for everyone.
My mom learned this way of life from her mom, who has given away just about every penny she ever earned. Looking back, I don’t remember the exact annual income we had as a family but I do remember this: We sure had a lot more fun giving than we ever did receiving.
3. Mom had open arms
I don’t remember one moment in my lifetime when I have needed my mom and she wasn’t there. (Even when I had a nurse call from the hospital I was in after being blown up in Iraq, mom was there to answer the phone.) Like most moms, she was there to drive us wherever we needed to go, but she was also there every time we needed to come home. She has always been the one I could go to about anything – and the good part was, about 99% of the time I could count on her to take my side. I can only imagine how hectic her life must have been being a pastor’s wife and mom to three boys. The truth is, it never once felt like mom was busy, she was always just there…right where we needed her to be.
4. Mom had a big mouth
She still does too…sorry mom. 😔
She was quick to tell us all the reasons the girl we were talking to just wasn’t a good choice. She was always very persuasive when she found out about trouble we had gotten into, always ending with, “Just be glad I found out and not your Dad.”
Mom talked a lot.
She talked about Jesus. She told us that putting our trust in Him was the best decision we could ever make.
She talked about church. Despite the fact that she had been in ministry and seen the good and bad, she still told us how important it was for us to have a church family in our lives.
She talked about our future. She encouraged us to dream big and never settle for anything in life. She told us that God made us unique and that there were things in life that we were made to accomplish. She told us so often we still believe it.
She talked about Heaven. She told us that things on this earth really aren’t that important and that one day we are all going to die. She often said, “What will it matter in Eternity?” She not only pointed out the things that wouldn’t matter, she also took the time to teach us the things that would.
I know as a kid there are many things I should have noticed about my mom that I probably missed. I never recognized a new haircut or dress, or congratulated her on an accomplishment at work.
I’m sure I missed plenty, but I think Mom made sure I noticed the important things.
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Assistant Director of Rooftop Missions, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns and operates a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.
Such a great mindset for us all to have going into 2016!
In 2016 we can commit to making a difference in the lives of others and seeing a better life in every conceivable way. I believe God has given us a message for 2016 that has to do with being Positive, Intentional and Generous in all that we do. So often we default to living such a small and limited existence when God has put the world in our hearts. Jesus said you are the light of the world (Matt 5:14) and that we were commissioned to go to the utter most parts of the earth.(Acts 1:8) I believe that! I believe our lives are intended to be given for others in more ways than we can imagine.
What are some ways we can be Positive, Intentional and Generous? How about to write a song, a blog or a book? How about to learn a new thing about our profession or…
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I love seeing my news feed on Veteran’s Day. The old pictures, the memories and the conversation between former combat brothers makes me smile…and sometimes bust out laughing. It is through those pictures and other moments on this day that I am reminded of a few things.
1. I’m not Special.
It seems that due to the amount of phone calls, texts and messages that I receive that I would feel the opposite, but I don’t. Each Veteran’s Day I am reminded that, like me, millions of other men and women have answered the call to serve our country. Like me, many have been wounded. Just like me, they have left family and friends to serve wherever their branch needed them to go. It is certainly a special brotherhood to be a part of, but I am just one of many who have sacrificed on behalf of our country.
2. America is Grateful.
While there will always be extremists on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to any issue, I truly believe that most Americans appreciate what the members of the military have done and continue to do. The posts of gratitude are heartfelt, sincere and come from just about every person that we know. You may say that it is only a status update and doesn’t require much effort, but I appreciate each and every person that takes a moment to remember.
3. Freedom is Worth the Cost.
This is a hard point to write and to think about, but it is true. The cost of freedom is not cheap but it is necessary. If the alternative means sacrificing our freedoms of religion, speech and so many more, then I think we all would agree that we must continue to defend the way of life we all hold dear. As I write this I realize that the future battles of the United States will not be fought by myself or my military brothers. It will be up to future generations to carry on the tradition of service, sacrifice and duty. This could include our own children. While this thought makes me cringe inside as a parent,I know that the freedoms we hold dear will not go without future attacks.
So this Veteran’s Day take the time to thank those who served our county. As a group, they are special and are worthy of our gratitude. Also take a moment to discuss with your children what this day means and why it is so important. For it is their generation that the responsibility of our freedom will be handed to one day.
Praying that God continues to bless America!
–Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
https://give.rooftopmissions.com/rooftopmissions
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/asmith
http://www.facebook.com/thepurpleheartvet
If you read any of my blog posts, make it this one. Veteran’s Day is approaching and I want to share something that has been on my heart for a long time.
Many times throughout the year I will have someone post a comment or send me a message thanking me for my service in the Armed Forces. When I see these comments I am humbled, grateful and most of the time unsure of how to respond. It is many times awkward. Here is why:
1. When I share a picture of my time in the service, I am not looking for a response.
OK, OK, I do enjoy getting a few likes, but that is not why most of us veterans share pictures. Sometimes we come across an old photo that never made it to social media. Sometimes something happens where we feel the need to post something encouraging for the brothers we served with. Every once in awhile we just need to go on an old fashioned rant to clear up where we stand on an issue. Other times we simply want to remember an anniversary that is meaningful to us.
2. Your simple “Thank You” means more than you will ever know.
It’s not that you said “Thank You” to me, it is just the fact that you took the time to say it. Every time someone thanks me for my service, deep down I am praying that other veterans are thanked just as often as I am. I feel proud to know so many people that appreciate the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf.
3. Your words about my service bring up memories and emotion.
When someone says, “I’m sure you saw some terrible things over there”, usually I immediately start to think about some of those moments. Ask any combat veteran, and they will tell you, once the memories start rolling it usually takes awhile to process all the emotion it brings to the surface. After reading some messages of thanks, it may be hours before I move on to something else. Which brings me to my last point.
4. Sometimes I don’t know how to respond.
I can’t just say “You’re Welcome”. I want to say, “No, Thank You” but that just seems weird. I want to pour my heart out to each and every person and tell them about how much I loved serving in the military and how I miss it more than they could possibly understand. I really want to defer the attention off of myself and ask that people look up the names of Tyler Southern, Omar Avila and Jason Redman so that they can meet some true heroes. I think about guys like Ross McGinnis and Patrick Lybert who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I pray deep down that people don’t forget to be thankful for what they gave so that we could be free.
With a post like this, I am sure there will be some of you who want to thank me or the veteran who shares this link but here is what I challenge you to do instead. This Veteran’s Day, stop by a VA hospital near where you live or maybe even a local nursing home, and find a veteran who could really use your thanks. Find a WW2, Korean or Vietnam vet who doesn’t have social media and take the time to be perhaps the only person who will show appreciation for what they did in service to our country. If you want to thank me, thank them, because that would be the greatest way to show your appreciation this Veteran’s Day and everyday.
-Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
https://give.rooftopmissions.com/rooftopmissions
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/asmith
War brings traumatic experiences that stay with soldiers & marines forever. War has been the cause of personal wounds, loss of friends and destruction of relationships. Yet a week doesn’t go by without me seeing someone post about how they miss being “over there”. How can that be? What in the world could they be missing? Here are the 3 things that I miss the most:
1. My Innocence
We were so young when our journey to the battlefield began. Most of the guys I served with being fresh out of high school or in their early 20’s. Our training was the best in the world and tactically we were prepared for everything we would face on the streets of Fallujah. We were excited about the chance to take the fight to the enemy and couldn’t wait to get on the ground. At this point in our lives most of us were unaware that we were not invincible. The political back and forth that determined our ROE (rules of engagement) and mission approval was not part of our thought process. We were the good guys going after the bad guys and it was as simple as that. The older I get, the more I wish I could go back to the innocence we all carried as we boarded the plane for the Middle East.
2. My Brothers
If you are a veteran and you are reading this then the names have already started going through your mind. For me it is Doc, Snider, Stadelman, Kozak, Nevins, Stygar and the list could go on for awhile. These names and so many others are ones that I will never forget. I will also remember forever the stories that go along with these guys. The care package of gum where Stadelman fit about 300 pieces in his mouth at once, Kozak saving our lives by staying on the .50 cal when any sane person would have taken cover or Snider being the best friend a guy could ask for.
For over a year we found ourselves eating, living, sleeping and fighting together every second of everyday. We came to know each other’s families as good as our own. We heard about the favorite fishing holes back home, each other’s reasons for joining the military and so much more. We got to see a side of each other that only comes out when you find yourself beside a brother day after day, fighting a war that seems will never end.
On bad days we saw a helicopter land and take a brother away as medics worked to save his life. We would secretly pray that he would be okay and that we would see him again soon. On the worst days, a body would be placed in a bag and that soldier’s friends would start praying for a family they had never met but yet knew so much about. While combat brought the most horrific moments most of us have ever seen, I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t go back in a second to spend a few more minutes with the brothers that we miss every single day.
3. My Purpose
According to the official Army website, this was our job description: “The infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. They are responsible for defending our country against any threat by land, as well as capturing, destroying and repelling enemy ground forces.
In our minds it was summed up even more. Our job was simply “to close with, and destroy the enemy”.
Our missions were usually very clear, a certain person, house or force was laid before us and our job was to kill or capture. During the operation of the mission, many obstacles would present themselves but our purpose remained obvious and we would give everything to see that our goal was met.
After combat, personal purpose is a moving target that is impossible to hit for many guys. They find themselves searching for goals and wishing they simply had an enemy that they could go after once again. In their desperate search, too many guys decide that they can look no longer. 22 veterans a day make the choice to end their life and in doing so make it even harder for their fellow brothers to go on without them.
I wish that each of us could forever live in a place where we all have a clear purpose for our days. It hurts so bad to see some of the strongest men you have ever known, suddenly find themselves without goals and direction. Over the next few months I hope to begin a program that will help each of us gain a clearer purpose to our lives.
War is ugly, but it brought me some of the best friendships and memories that I will treasure forever. To all the guys I served with in A Co 1-32: I miss you everyday. I hope you are well. I look up to you more than you will ever know.
*Pictured in the above photo is our medic, Doc Winkel. Everybody needs a good medic in their life. Thanks for taking great care of me, Doc!
-Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
https://give.rooftopmissions.com/rooftopmissions
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
November 2, 2003 is a date that I will never forget. I had just been released from a hospital in Fallujah a few days earlier and I was excited to be back with the guys. We were eating breakfast when we heard a loud explosion off in the distance. Knowing that we were QRF (Quick Reaction Force) that day, we immediately turned up our radios to get any information about what had happened. It didn’t take long to find out and also to know that we were about to find ourselves right in the middle of it.
USA Today later described what had happened like this:
“FALLUJAH, Iraq — A U.S. Army Chinook helicopter ferrying troops out of Iraq for leave was shot down near a stronghold of Saddam Hussein loyalists Sunday, killing 16 soldiers and injuring 20. It was the single deadliest attack against U.S. forces in Iraq and the latest calling card of an increasingly clever and deadly insurgency.”
As we threw on our gear and crammed the rest of our hot breakfast in our mouths we had no idea what was waiting for us. As we approached what was supposed to be a downed helicopter we only saw scattered debris. With an approaching enemy, we quickly began rescue operations while others scrambled into fighting positions. The KIA were placed together and we did our best to treat the wounded. As medical help arrived in the form of Air Force PJs, us infantry guys focused on doing what we could to assist them as they fought to save the lives of those most severely injured.
I was tasked with helping identify the bodies of those killed. When I got to the first one, I was not ready for what I saw. Being Infantry, I was used to a unit of all men. Now laying before me, I found a young female soldier who didn’t seem to have a scratch on her. I will never forget how beautiful she was and how it seemed so surreal that she could be dead. As we moved down the line of bodies, I saw faces of what seemed to be young kids. Their uniforms bearing names that I will never forget. On many nights I have googled their names, read their stories and even seen their parents standing in their childhood bedrooms talking about how much they miss their son or daughter.
But on November 2, 2003 I did not yet know their hometowns or the family members that they were going home to see. On that day as I walked around, I noticed teddy bears and other gifts that they had packed to share with those they loved once they got back to the states.
On that day I sat with my brothers as we tried our best to remove the blood that covered our uniforms. I watched as our medics treated the hands of infantryman who had grabbed pieces of a burning helicopter in an effort to reach those trapped inside the wreckage. After the last of the bodies was airlifted away from the crash site, we continued to guard what remained. We were determined that the enemy would not touch one piece of the debris that littered the ground around us. That day, no enemy of the United States was going to dance on a propeller and they certainly weren’t going to touch one of the teddy bears or disposable cameras lying at our feet. Covered in blood, we stayed for days until the last piece of evidence was removed.
That is why I will never forget 11/2/03.
**Update** Because this article was shared so many times last year, I received messages from family members of those killed in this crash. The talks we were able to have meant so much to them and myself. I cannot thank you enough for making this possible.
The fact is that every combat veteran has these dates in their minds. It could be the day they were wounded or lost a friend, a day of a feirce firefight or a horrible ambush. Sometimes they post a picture or talk to a friend but more often than not they usually just go about their day and quietly remember all they have seen sacrificed for the freedoms that so many seem to take for granted.
If you are a veteran then I encourage you to share these dates with some close family and friends. Let them remember with you. And if you ever need to talk, know that there are plenty of us who are here to listen.
http://www.operationward57.org
In Memory of:
Army Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Bader, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Army Staff Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew, 33, of Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.
Army Spc. Steven D. Conover, 21, of Wilmington, Ohio.
Army Pfc. Anthony D. Dagostino, 20, of Waterbury, Connecticut.
Army Spc. Darius T. Jennings, 22, of Cordova, South Carolina.
Army Pfc. Karina S. Lau, 20, of Livingston, California.
Army Sgt. Keelan L. Moss, 23, of Houston, Texas.
Army Spc. Brian H. Penisten, 28, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Army Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen, 36, of Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Army Sgt. Joel Perez, 25, of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Army 1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas, 30, of Genoa, Illinois.
Army CW4 Bruce A. Smith, 41, of West Liberty, Iowa.
Army Spc. Frances M. Vega, 20, of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.
Army Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez, 29, of California.
Army Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson, 30, of Mississippi.
-Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns and operates a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.
http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/asmith
http://www.facebook.com/thepurpleheartvet
Many times we confuse success with significance. We spend so much time trying to reach the goals in front of us and very little time thinking about why we have those goals in the first place.
Merriam-Webster defines being Significant in these 3 ways:
1. Having meaning
Does your life mean something to you? Do you think you are on this earth for a purpose? If so, then you probably want to live a certain way and accomplish specific things while you are alive. What goals have you set to make this happen?
2. Having or likely to have influence or effect
A focus on success is usually based on selfish motives. A focus on significance realizes that our lives can and should have a positive influence on those around us. Do you take the responsibility of influence seriously? Do you purposefully grow your level of influence?
3. Important
Everyone wants to feel important. All of us want our lives to be ones that are wanted, needed and valued. The question we have to ask is, “What makes my life valuable?” Are we content with the value of our life being based on what we can offer an employer, or do we really believe there are other ways to add value to the world?
A significant life will not happen by accident. Just like being successful takes focused decisions over a long period of time, significance requires us to shoot for a specific target.
Over the past few years, I have watched my children grow from babies to the nine, seven and three-year olds that they are today. I have missed many days that I will never get back. As a dad, I want to make a difference in their lives. I know it is my job to discipline, teach, love and praise them. These things don’t happen automatically though.
I also want to be the best husband that I can be. I want my wife to feel loved, appreciated and valued, but again, these things don’t happen by accident.
Our lives will never be significant unless we are willing to live in a very intentional way. Our goals must be clear, our time managed and our attention focused on the things that truly matter.
-Andrew Smith
*If you are interested in living an Intentional Life, then check out the link below. John Maxwell’s new book, Intentional Living is now available and it comes with a special 30 day Challenge!
http://clicks.johnmaxwell.com/aff_c?offer_id=9&aff_id=163
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns and operates a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.
Around 5th grade was the first time that I began to notice the different parts of a team for the first time. I watched as Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to some thrilling wins on the basketball court. While some may argue this point, to me it was easy to see that he was by far the most valuable player in the NBA at that time. I could not imagine the Bulls being successful without him.
Over the years I have been blessed to be a part of many amazing teams. From high school and college basketball to my days in Fallujah with 10th Mountain Division, I have watched certain individuals step up and play a critical role in our team’s success.
Even now as I serve with Rooftop Missions I can clearly see how we each play a different part in reaching our goals. Matt, the founder of Rooftop, sets a vision in front of us and encourages us daily to do the things necessary to make it happen. Eric, our Director of Communications, captures critical video and photographs on foreign soil and then gets the final cut on our social media pages in a way that only he can do.
But none of these people are Most Valuable to me and my life.
It became very obvious to me awhile back just who makes my life the best that it can be. She is my best friend, encourager and supporter. She is the only one who has made the commitment to spend her entire life loving me and staying by my side. She is my wife.
When I think about who is “Most Valuable” to me, it really isn’t even close. My wife has been there during the fun moments, but also for the dark ones too. She knows more about me than I would like and she doesn’t even hold it against me. Each day, she is the one that I come home to. She is the one that is affected most by my decisions. She is the one who is always willing to talk and when necessary ask the tough questions.
As you go through this life and the career that you have chosen, your attention will be pulled in many different directions. You will be tempted to focus on titles, salary, goals, possessions and other people. In the midst of all of this, please do not lose focus on the one that has agreed to stay beside you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.
Take the time to remember who is Most Valuable to you and then treat them like they truly are just that.
-Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith is an Executive Coach and Leadership speaker with the John Maxwell Team, as well as the Director of Rooftop India, an organization that seeks to train leaders internationally, as well as care for orphans through the ministry of the Azlynn Noelle Children’s Home.
Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with Honor & Courage (Operation Ward 57), a non-profit organization that financially assists Wounded Warriors and their families.
He has also owns a small business -Yellow Dawg Striping – in Southwest Virginia.
Andrew Smith 