[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO VERMALENE SMITH

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize 
Vermalene Smith for her outstanding commitment to supporting our 
military, our veterans, their families, and her community.
  Born in Leachville, AR, Vermalene attended various schools in 
northeast Arkansas before furthering her education at Memphis State 
University where she earned her bachelor's degree in accounting and 
minored in business management. She utilized her acquired skills in a 
successful accounting career, as well as a decorated career in real 
estate. The combination of knowledge and community involvement she 
possessed prepared her for the role she took with former U.S. Senator 
Tim Hutchinson as senior coordinator for the State of Arkansas. She 
also went on to serve Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller as his 
financial director and volunteered for the Craighead County Veterans 
Service Office before becoming the county's full-time veterans service 
officer in 2009.
  In this role, Vermalene plans, organizes, and directs the activities 
of the County Veterans Service office. From preparing claims for 
veterans to personally counseling them and their dependents, she has 
maintained her devotion to fighting for those who fought for us at home 
and abroad. She has been instrumental in conducting the annual military 
ball, an event that attracts hundreds of participants including 
veterans, servicemembers, civic leaders, and local JROTC cadets and 
their guests and has also played an important role in the Welcome Home 
Vietnam Veterans event. Vermalene serves as an inspiration and example 
to us all and has had a positive impact on countless lives through her 
diligent efforts and advocacy.
  In addition to all of her work for veterans, Vermalene has 
exemplified what it means to be a good steward of her community. Some 
of her many roles have included Cub Scout leader, Sunday school 
teacher, and president of the parent teachers association. She also 
founded the Northeast Arkansas Republican Women and Northeast Arkansas 
Veterans Action Clergy organizations. Her involvement continues to 
impress as she served as chairman of the Craighead County Republican 
Party and 1st congressional District secretary. Her dedication has 
enhanced her community immensely and earned her many prestigious honors 
along the way.
  Her numerous awards include Business of Professional Women's Club 
Woman of the Year, Million Dollar Producer, and the Frank Lady 
Leadership Award. It comes as no surprise that she also received the 
Customer Service Award from American Legion Post 53 located in West 
Memphis, AR, and American Legion District 5, which includes the 
majority of northeast Arkansas.
  Vermalene has spent her career working to advance the needs of 
veterans and improve Arkansas. Our State is a better place because of 
her. I wish Vermalene well as she begins her well-deserved 
retirement.

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