[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING FRANK SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alongside my esteemed 
colleagues Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, to pay tribute to the 
extraordinary life of Frank F. Smith. It is with great sadness that we 
mourn his passing on July 7th of this year. Frank was a man of 
unwavering integrity, dedicating his life to serving his country and 
his fellow veterans.
  Frank was raised in a home that instilled in him the values of 
patriotism, hard work, and compassion. His father was a former Lt. 
Colonel of the Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force. Frank went on to 
follow in his father's footsteps and served in the U.S. Air Force.
  During the Vietnam War, from 1964 to 1968, Frank proudly served in 
the Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California. His 
contributions were instrumental in the development of experimental 
aircraft, many of which would later be utilized in the Vietnam War.
  Frank's distinguished military career garnered him numerous 
accolades, including the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms 
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, 
and Air Force Good Conduct Medal. In recognition of his exceptional 
service, he was honored with the Spirit of Freedom Award in 2017.
  Following his retirement from the Air Force, Frank dedicated 16 years 
of his life as the Information Technology Director for the Eastern 
Idaho Regional Medical Center. Additionally, he established his own 
business providing IT services in Eastern Idaho.
  Frank actively engaged with several meaningful organizations, serving 
as a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of 
America (VVA). Notably, he held prominent leadership roles, including 
President of the VVA-972, Idaho Falls Bob Taylor Memorial Chapter, and 
he played a pivotal role in establishing the American Legion Riders in 
Idaho, where he served as director for the Department of Idaho and the 
Idaho Falls Chapter. Furthermore, he wholeheartedly contributed to the 
Idaho Falls and Pocatello Idaho military affairs committees.
  Frank saw his role as a founding member and the driving force of the 
Veterans Mobility Corporation (VMC) as his greatest achievement. 
Established in 2015, the VMC tirelessly endeavors to provide electric 
wheelchairs to veterans, their spouses, and children. To date, the VMC 
has furnished 378 electric wheelchairs, significantly improving the 
lives of veterans and their families.
  Frank's unwavering dedication to assisting others, particularly his 
fellow veterans, leaves an indelible mark. He exemplified a life of 
compassion and selflessness. Frank will be remembered by many as a man 
who made a profound difference in their lives. His memory and legacy 
will forever inspire us and shall never fade away.

                          ____________________