Salute To Service: Gary Smith
(WJBF) – It’s that time again where we introduce you to our Salute to Service honoree. Each month we spotlight one of our men and women in uniform who continues to make a difference in their community. This month we had the honor of speaking with Gary Smith.
Gary Smith’s journey serving his country started at an early age.
“Well I was very fortunate I went through the ROTC programs in Augusta, Georgia, one year at the Glenn Hills High School, the neighboring ROTC program with Captain Bryant and Chief Daniels, and then I went to Butler High School in my junior and senior year with Luitenant Colelnal Witlock and Master Sergeant Vickery. I graduated in 1981, the to Parris Island right after that and then spent the next 7 and half years in the Marine Corp.”
Gary served for over 30 years and now he spends his time giving back.
“In addition to being involved with several veterans organizations. I’m involved with the Veterans Treatment Court for Columbia County judicial circuit working with Judge Blanchard treatment court and I think thats kept me the most busy. Later today I’ll go to the jail and I’ll visit one of our veterans that’s incarcerated for a short time and I’ll sit and talk with him for a little bit and listen to him, most of these guys just need someone to listen to them.”
For Smith, it’s about giving a second chance to those who need it.
“Some people who might make a mistake, might need a little bit of grace and help, they definitely need to be supervised and we don’t want to see people mess up, but they could use somebody that could help them along and give them a little wisdom, a little encouragement and that’s what we need to do.”
When Smith found out he was receiving the Salute to Service award he was humble.
“There’s a lot of people who have served and a lot of veterans in this community that have done a lot more than I’ll ever think of doing and we have an obligation to return some of the gifts that were given to us and I’m thankful you guys are recognizing people who are veterans that are doing stuff but I throw the gauntlet out there to all my friends and I encourage them to be active and help people in the community.”
And he has a message for anyone listening.
“If you have a young person in your life that is considering going in to the service or considering becoming a law enforcement officer or a fire fighter, or an emergency medical technician, or dispatcher, encourage them because there’s gonna be a lot of people who tell them don’t do it, it’s a job that doesn’t pay much and I just want to stand here and tell you today, it’s worth it.
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