Veteran of the Month series recognizes Alabama’s heroes for service to military, local communities
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF TOMMY TUBERVILLE
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
On Feb. 9, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Smith of Notasulga, Alabama, for her 20 years of service in the military. Excerpts from Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found on Tuberville’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SenatorTuberville post dated Feb. 6, 2023.)
“She [Sgt. Smith] credits the ‘no-fail’ mentality learned in the military for helping her succeed as a first-time farmer,” Tuberville said. “Sgt. Smith is truly a ‘lifelong learner’ who is always willing to share her knowledge and experiences with others. That’s why she’s proud to be a 4-H agent assistant for the Tallapoosa County School System, where she teaches ag-related skills to more than 1,000 fourth, fifth and sixth graders each month. And twice a year, she works with high schoolers, helping them learn how to work with their hands and grow their own produce.
“Now, Sgt. Smith helps develop new curriculums for students, including a ‘Respect for the Flag’ lesson that teaches the American flag’s history, meaning and how to properly care for it.
“Sgt. Smith credits the military for giving her greater awareness and compassion for the needs of others around the world. She went to Guatemala for the first time on a medical mission while in the service, which inspired her and her husband to continue mission trips to Guatemala and Alaska after their retirement.”
During her time in the Air Force, Smith served as a missile maintainer, ophthalmology technician and non-commissioned officer academy instructor. After retiring, she started a cattle operation called Lone Oak Farm with her husband Tim, who is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. The Smiths now sell fresh beef to families across Alabama. Additionally, Smith uses her military and farming experience as a 4-H agent assistant for the Tallapoosa County School System.
Smith’s recognition is the first in Tuberville’s new “Veteran of the Month” video series in which the senator will recognize a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.
Tuberville represents Alabama in the U.S. Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and HELP Committees.