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band my role is to be the protec- tor, provider and dreamer for the family. What I mean by a dream is a vision for what we will be in the future. That’s why I think Vane- dra was attracted to me (after she understood my confidence in life) and we have been blessed to accom- plish these things together that we talked about over 35 years ago.
needed to be done. She just did it. Going to that parochial school, which was catho- lic based, taught us how to act and set us on a path that allowed us to excel regard- less of the tough neighborhood we grew up in. The second part of the blessing was going to Fredrick Dou- glass High School in the early 80s. The leaders, the coaches and the pride in the
3) Father. In the Bible it says, “Train up a child in the way that they should go and when they get older they will not stray from that.” In my view the most important thing I have to do after being a husband is being a good father for my children (and others who are in their orbit), my nieces, nephews and anyone else who will take the guidance that I have been blessed to glean over my 57 years. I have this ob- ligation because so many people helped me, my brother and sister and my entire family. 4) Kappa Man. After my relationship with God and my family, my service in the Noble Clan of Kappa Alpha Psi is most important. Several of my close fraternity brothers, my dean and line brothers comment when we get together that we learned everything we needed for success through service in Kappa. This Bond has taught me how to engage men and others from all walks of life and make all of us successful. Where else can you learn about Robert’s Rules of Order, run an effective meeting, and still know how to dress as a professional before you turn 21. As a 17-year-old freshman, I drank the Kappa customs and traditions and I still believe that what you put in an organization is what you get out of it. During this 35-year
From there, The Journal sat down to discuss more in-depth some of these elements that impacted Brother Smith career in hopes that it will be a blessing to others. When reflecting on his philosophy as it relates to being a 1) husband, 2) father, 3) Kappa man, 4) Christian and 5) General Officer and the impact of these roles, he shared, “ I think the linkages you mention above are tied together. If I were to place them in the order I think are most important it would be being a Christian because I think that frames what happens after that. I found out probably around the rank of Major dur- ing our time in Korea, I realized that the blessings that I have for my family can only come to fruition once I get in line with what God wanted to do in my life. 2) Husband. I think once you get lined up right as a Christian you can under- stand your role as a husband first then a father. Although my father died when I was five, I had lots of role models who showed me what right looked like and set high expectations for what I was to become in life. While I did not know it at the time, they were equipping me with the skills that I needed to become the Army’s 66 th IG. Finally, as the hus-
school showed me that you could be or should be smart and challenged me beyond measure that I cannot that those who set the conditions for a shy kid who thought he did not fit in. The even more powerful aspect was that our local church was right next door. So instead of having to go home after football practice or something else before choir rehearsal, scouts or other events, I could just walk next door. At Union Baptist church not only did I go to Sunday school, learn to worship God and sing in the choir, I be- came a scout there and had my first job. Without a doubt, Mr. William Thomas who provided me a job at the age of 14 at William’s cleaning services, continued to spark the entrepreneurial spirit that I learned from my uncles in Mound Bayou, MS. Finally, going to Georgia Southern solidified what and who I was going to become because it introduced my to my calling in several areas. My calling to serve in the Army, which is a story that I have to continue in, follow on questions. My calling to serve as a Kappa, which coupled with being in the Army, has opened doors that I would not have real- ized with the both. Finally, my calling to be a husband, father and mentor solidi- fied by meeting and marrying Vanedra.”
26 | FALL 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
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