3 minute read
Family of American Heroes
AMERICAN FAMILY OF HER ES
by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Scott Smith
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It takes a strong and courageous person to commit to serve and protect our beloved country. Many would say that there is no greater honor than to keep the people of the United States of America free and safe from harm. But that honor doesn’t come without sacrifice. These men and women risk their lives every single day to ensure that the lives of their loved ones and the rest of our great nation can sleep safe and sound every night.
Denton County local and Lantana resident Scott Smith is the proud father of three of these courageous young men.
James is his oldest and currently serves in the Navy. He works in the Nuke program and will work on nuclear reactors on Naval submarines. Upon graduating from Guyer High School, James worked at the local restaurant Corner Bakery. From there, he signed up for the Navy program, which offered 88 hours of paid college, a $40,000 signing bonus, and a bonus for when he graduated school.
“It’s a great opportunity for a good education,” Scott said. James is currently stationed in Charleston, South Carolina.
Scott’s middle son, David, is an active member of the Air Force. He is currently a senior at Texas A&M. David performs summer drills and has been an officer for four years.
“David got an Air Force Scholarship. It paid for everything: tuition, food, room and board, plus a monthly salary.” Scott said.
While all three boys were active boy scouts, David went on to take on the prestigious title of Eagle Scout. David is currently located in College Station but has previously been stationed in London, England, as well as Paris, France.
Scott’s third son, John, graduated from Guyer High School and attended boot camp for the Army. He is going to become an airborne combat medic.
“John didn’t want to graduate high school and go get a minimum wage job. John loves helping people, and he loved being outdoors while in boy scouts. Being a medic is the perfect route for him.” Scott said.
John is currently located in Columbia, South Carolina, where he will be transferred to San Antonio to go through training. Afterward, he will be sent to Georgia to attend Airborne school.
But the tradition doesn’t stop with his boys. Scott’s daughter, Rachel, is going into her senior year at Guyer High School and is a member of Guyer’s JROTC. Rachel wants to attend college at the University of North Texas following her high school graduation. Scott’s kids aren’t the only ones that have served our country. Scott served in the Army National Guard for four years and was also a proud member of the University of Texas at Arlington’s ROTC. Scott’s dad also served in the Army during the Korean War. “My boys love to help people and to serve our country,” Scott said.
Following Scott’s four years in the Army National Guard, he has been the proud Broker owner of RE/MAX Cross Country and Advantage for the last 20 years, with locations in Highland Village and Lewisville.
Not only is it a tremendous honor and sacrifice for the individual that chooses to serve our country, but it is also one of the greatest honors and sacrifices for the friends and loved ones that they leave behind. Scott Smith, his father, and his children have all left an amazing and courageous legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Our Denton County local community is honored to be home to not only an individual but an entire family of true American heroes.
