Warrior of the Week: Staff Sgt. Stephen Smith

  • Published
  • By Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Staff Sgt. Stephen Smith, Area Defense Counsel defense paralegal, joined the Air Force with ambitions to work with planes. He began his career working on the A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monathan Air Force Base, Ariz., and although he enjoyed his job, he saw an opportune time to embark on a new journey.

"I decided I didn't want to turn wrenches for the rest of my life," said Smith. "I applied to re-train and enter the legal career field, and it was definitely a huge career change, but I love it."

Sergeant Smith now finds his job and duties taking him in new and exciting directions.

"We provide administrative support to all clients, visiting attorneys, perform case law research, prepare and organize documents, and help individuals with all around legal defense," said Smith. "We help Airmen out with any situation that might be potentially adverse to their career by providing them the soundest legal assistance available, free of cost."

Additionally, he also delivers services to more than 1,700 members on courts-martial, Article 15s, administrative discharge, and other adverse actions. He also investigates facts of alleged offenses, interviews witnesses, and reviews investigation reports.

Looking out for the best interest of others does not end when Smith heads home from work, as he and his wife, Herminia Smith, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, are both licensed foster parents in North Dakota. They recently temporarily cared for two children along with raising their biological five-year old daughter, Samantha.

Sergeant Smith is also a Policy Council member and treasurer for the Grand Forks County Head Start program which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. With the natural drive to serve others, it was no surprise Smith was the recipient of the Chief's Choice Award in 2008 while stationed at Barksdale AFB, La.

Although the Memphis native takes pride in increasing the morale of others, he'll likely lower yours if you challenge him on the golf course.

"I'm currently the Grand Forks Air Force Base club and base golf champion," said Smith. "I love it here; there are a lot of good guys around here I like to get together and play golf with."

With intentions to soon become a noncommissioned officer in charge of a military justice legal office when his ADC contract expires, Smith still sees opportunity to achieve multiple long-term personal goals.

"When I'm finished with the ADC position, I'll get the chance to try out for the Air Force golf team," said Smith. "I also intend to take a shot at becoming a member of the Professional Golf Association or the Senior PGA, and I'll get the chance to live two dreams."

Sergeant Smith is the owner of two CCAF degrees, and is currently working on a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. If for some reason a golf career doesn't work out, Smith will be happy to work as a state trooper in either Arizona or Texas.