[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1664-E1665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL THOMAS C. SMITH 
                                  III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and career of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. Smith 
III, who served ably as Director of the Birmingham VA Medical Center 
during his distinguished career in the U.S. Army and with the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith worked 
tirelessly to provide care for our nation's Service Members and 
Veterans. Mr. Smith was a man of the highest character who loved his 
family and who dedicated himself to God and country.
   Mr. Smith was born in Phenix City, Alabama, on July 6, 1953, to 
parents Thomas C. Smith II and Ganelle Putnam Smith. He grew up with 
three sisters, Kaye, Phyllis, and Deborah, who he loved and cherished 
greatly.
   After graduating from Central High School, Mr. Smith attended Auburn 
University where he was well known for his acting talent and often 
graced the stage of Telfair Peet Theatre. Upon earning his degree at 
Auburn, Mr. Smith worked at the Ritz Theater in Gadsden, Alabama. It 
was there, as Director of the Ritz Theater, that Mr. Smith met the love 
of his life, and his future wife, JoDean.
   Over the course of their marriage, JoDean and Mr. Smith had six 
beautiful children, including two sons, Justin and Drew, and four 
daughters, Adrienne, Emily, Laura, and Kathleen.
   At the age of 29, Mr. Smith joined the U.S. Army, pursuing a career 
of service in the field of health care. As a Service Member, Mr. Smith 
studied at Baylor University, receiving his Masters in Healthcare 
Administration in 1992. Mr. Smith worked at U.S. Army hospitals around 
the globe, from the Army General Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, to the 
Army Health Center in Vicenza, Italy. His 22-year career in the U.S. 
Army culminated with Mr. Smith's work as Deputy Commander for 
Administration of the Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia.
   While in the military, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Order of 
Military Medical Merit, an honorary organization which recognizes 
leadership and significant contributions to the Army Medical 
Department. He also earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and received 
the Army Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious conduct in the 
performance of outstanding services and achievements.
   After retiring from the military in 2005, Mr. Smith began serving as 
Assistant Director and thereafter Director of the Central Texas 
Veterans Affairs Hospital. After eight years there, Mr. Smith accepted 
the Directorship role at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center. For those who had the opportunity to work with Mr. Smith he 
will always be remembered as a tireless servant leader who cared deeply 
for our Veterans, appreciated those who worked with him, and related to 
everyone with compassion and respect.
   While Mr. Smith dedicated himself fully to caring for Service 
Members and Veterans, he was also a devoted father and husband. He was 
always happiest when he was surrounded by his loving wife, his 
children, and his grandchildren. Mr. Smith's Catholic faith was of the 
utmost importance to him, and he truly sought to live each day 
according to Christ's example.
   On a personal note, I got to know Mr. Smith when he assumed the role 
of Director of the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Mr. Smith was a true 
patriot who led by example. His warm smile and engaging spirit greeted 
every Service Member and Veteran that sought care at the Birmingham VA 
Hospital. Mr. Smith made a positive and lasting impact on the Veteran 
community in Birmingham. His legacy will live on in the many people he 
touched through his long career providing quality health care to our 
military Service Members and Veterans.
   Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, JoDean, son Justin and daughter-
in-law Molly, son Drew and daughter-in-law Angie, daughter Adrienne and 
son-in-law Richard Stravitsch, daughter Emily and son-in-law Daniel 
Henson, daughter Laura, daughter Kathleen, and fourteen grandchildren. 
He is also survived by his sisters, Kaye Latulippe, Phyllis Mann, and 
Deborah Smith. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Thomas C. Smith 
II and Ganelle Putnam Smith.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congressional District and the 
State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
career and incredible contributions of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. 
Smith III. He served his

[[Page E1665]]

country well, and his contributions as a servant leader will be 
remembered in Alabama for many years to come.

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