Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 05/17/2004

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
I have read with great interest your April 26 column and was saddened to learn of the death of my friend, Jack Smith. I share your sorrow, and that of the many veterans who knew and admired him.

You ended your eulogy of Jack by proposing that a future “Veterans Memorial Visitors Center” be named after him. Please advise if you are referring to a World War II Visitors Center, or a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitors Center. It would be most appropriate for a Vietnam Memorial to be named after him, as he served in and was wounded in the Vietnam Conflict.

Keep up your good works on behalf of all veterans.

Sincerely,
George W.
California

Dear George
In my minds eye I thought you and all my readers would know that I was referring to the new visitors center at the Vietnam veteran’s memorial. In a recent tribute to friend Jack, fellow combat Vietnam veteran Sen. Chuck Hagel stated on the floor of the US Senate,

“. Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Jack Smith, distinguished Vietnam veteran and former ABC News Correspondent. Jack Smith died on April 7 at the age of 58 at a hospital in Greenbrea, CA. He had been struggling with cancer for the past year.

Jack had a long and successful career as a Washington-based reporter for ABC News. He covered foreign wars, five presidential elections, and hosted numerous shows and documentaries. His thoughtful reporting and dedication to journalism ranks Jack Smith high in the history of news reporters.

Jack was wounded during the 1965 battle of Ia Drang Valley. He was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery. His experiences in the Vietnam War prompted him to speak and report extensively on the war and its aftermath. He was a man of great integrity who never faltered on his commitment to demonstrate accurately and honestly the historic events of our time.

Jack Smith leaves behind his wife, Pamela Peffer; a son, Alexander Smith; two stepchildren, Aidan McTighe and Matthew McTighe; his mother, Benedicte Smith; and a sister. Jack was the son of legendary reporter Howard K. Smith.

For his service to his country during the Vietnam War and excellence in journalism, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring Jack Smith.

For decades Jack had used his talent, notoriety, and gentle persuasiveness to help his fellow veterans because he never forgot the time he spent in the military, especially his time in Vietnam. Simply, Jack continued to be a soldier.

And I believe these poignant words of fellow Nam combat vet, George Skypeck in his poem “Soldier” personified his life.

I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness ... should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped ... but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was ... a soldier. I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do.

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness ... should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped ... but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was ... a soldier.

Shaft Notes
OOPS---In my column of May 3, I misstated the date that Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy will speak at the press club. The correct date is May 26.

Gordon England was confirmed as the 73rd Secretary of the Navy on 26 September 2003 and sworn in on 1 October. He became only the second person in history to serve twice as the leader of the Navy-Marine Corps Team and the first to serve in back-to-back terms. Prior to his return to the Navy Department he was the first Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Secretary England served as the 72nd Secretary of the Navy from May 24, 2001, until he joined the Homeland Security in January 2003. As Secretary of the Navy, Mr. England leads America's Navy and Marine Corps and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $110 B and more than 800,000 personnel.

Prior to joining the administration of President George W. Bush, Mr. England served as executive vice president of General Dynamics Corporation from 1997 until 2001. A native of Baltimore, Mr. England graduated from the University of Maryland in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In 1975 he earned a master's degree in business administration from the M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University and is a member of various honorary societies: Beta Gamma Sigma (business), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Eta Kappa Nu (engineering).

Anyone interested in attending the Press Club Luncheon should contact Pat Nelson at 202-662-7500

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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