[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 55 (Thursday, April 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN A. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2011

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
leader in San Diego's veterans' community, and a treasured member of 
the San Diego family.
  Mr. Smith was buried today in Miramar National Cemetery. My thoughts 
are with his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this 
honorable and dedicated man.
  Mr. Smith joined the Army in 1966 and served as a medic with the 1st 
Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He was wounded three times while 
serving and was medically retired as a disabled veteran in 1972.
  Following his time in military service, Mr. Smith became committed to 
honoring and advocating for veterans. His involvement with the Veterans 
Village of San Diego, and its annual Stand Down event to provide 
services to homeless veterans, exemplify his personal dedication to 
helping veterans experience an improved quality of life.
  Through his active membership with the United Veterans Council, U.S. 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Military Order of the 
Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, and other organizations 
helping veterans, Mr. Smith touched many lives. He was also a special 
representative for the California Department of Veterans Affairs. His 
admirable reputation in San Diego is known far and wide in the veteran 
community. In 2004, Mr. Smith was honored as the San Diego County 
Veteran of the Year.
  Mr. Smith's sense of integrity, dedication to service, and commitment 
to his community should serve as examples to us all. He will be missed.

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