Tuberville’s Veteran of the Month series recognizes Alabama’s heroes for service to our military and local communities
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today released a video honoring U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Dawn Smith of Notasulga, Alabama, for her 20 years of service in the military. Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.
“She [Sergeant Smith] credits the ‘no-fail’ mentality learned in the military for helping her succeed as a first-time farmer.”
“Sergeant 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 one thousand 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, Sergeant 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.”
“Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant Smith uses her military and farming experience as a 4-H Agent Assistant for the Tallapoosa County School System, where she teaches ag-related skills to more than one thousand fourth, fifth, and sixth graders each month.
Sergeant Smith’s recognition is the first in Senator Tuberville’s new “Veteran of the Month” video series, where 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 Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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