May Warrior of Month makes helping Airmen his mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Staff Sgt. Terrell Smith gives 110 percent to Vance Air Force Base with his involvement in the chapel, base honor guard, Traumatic Stress Response team, Monty's and as a unit physical training leader - and Team Vance is blessed to have him as the May Warrior of the Month. 

As the NCO in charge of chapel operations, Sergeant Smith is responsible for the base chapel's day to day activities, logistics and overall administration. 

"I handle the logistics and planning for all chapel activities," said the seven-year staff sergeant from Bath, N.C. "I also handle the budget through the Chapel Tithes and Offering Funds and appropriated funds to ensure the Protestant/Catholic services and all the chapel programs have what they need to run smoothly." 

Sergeant Smith is involved in several activities that benefit Vance Airmen - Singles International Gourmet Meal Opportunity, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day barbecue and several Monty's tournaments including ping-pong, video games, pool, board games and boxing matches. 

"We realize there aren't too many things to do in this area, especially for younger Airmen," Sergeant Smith said. "That's why we host interesting events for Airmen to get out, socialize and have fun in a positive setting." 

He has also helped Vance Chapel partner with several off-base churches in the Ministerial Alliance. The alliance pools church resources together to ensure all parishioners' needs are met by offering spiritual seminars, counseling and other religious programs. 

As a Silver Talon Honor Guard member, Sergeant Smith had the privilege of presenting an American flag to a family member of a fallen service member recently. 

"That is a moment I will never forget," he said. "We all deploy at some point of our careers, but we all expect to return home safely - sometimes that doesn't happen. Our job as servicemembers became reality to me." 

A year and a half ago, you would find Sergeant Smith loading bombs, missiles, flares and chaff onto awaiting aircraft. It was tough work, and it taught him some valuable work ethics he carried over to his current job. 

"Loading bombs requires attention to detail - that's what I brought to my current job along with my drive to get things done," he said. "In my old job, everything was set up for you and you read the Technical Order, step after step. In this job, there is a lot to do, so I had to learn to prioritize. I went from being a follower to becoming a leader overnight."
His leadership abilities will be put to the test in August when he deploys as a chaplain assistant to Curacao, an island in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea off the north coast of Venezuela. 

"I am elated to be chosen for this upcoming deployment. Being the last chaplain assistant in the office to deploy has its rewards." 

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike Gilbert, Wing Chaplain is impressed by the energy level and determination Sergeant Smith displays. 

"Sergeant Smith is a trustworthy wingman who leads by example," Chaplain Gilbert said. "I know that I can always rely on him to be an example of excellence. It has been my honor to work alongside him at the Vance Chapel."