I joined the Robert Lee Griner VFW Auxiliary #9289 under the eligibility of my husband, Christopher Smith. He Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003. Out of his 4 years of service he spent 2 years over seas. He was an Amtrack Crew Chief, and did the first am-phibious landing on the beach of Iwo Jima since WWII, he joined our post under the eligibility of be-ing in South Korea, and was our post Quartermaster 2020-2023, he discharged as a SGT.

I grew up in St. Mary's and graduated from MHS in 2001. I currently work for our VFW which is a joy and a challenge. We currently live in St. Mary's, and have two sons Robert and Logan. Growing up I heard so much about all of the branches of the military and took pride in the long line of servicemen and women in my family. My dad served in the Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany. My older brothers were both in the Army, David retired in 2021 as a Lt. Col. All of my uncles served, one in the Army, one as an officer in the Navy and on as a Gunny in the Marines.

Since Joining the VFW Auxiliary I have held all of the chairmanships at post level, Jr and Sr Vice for our post and for district, I have been the Buddy Poppy/National Home Chairman for District 2, on the Credentials Committee for Department and am a life member of the National Home. I am also a member of Celina Moose Lodge #1473, Bellefontaine American Legion Auxiliary #173, and was a member of the St. Mary's Summerfest Committee for a number of years, chairing Salute to Veterans and all Veteran events for the weekend along with my husband Chris. Coming from a large military family I am big on getting PTSD and Veteran Suicide out there, no Veteran should ever have to go through these things alone; in 2021 I started the Silent Watch in St. Mary's at Memorial Park, and I hope to see many VFW & Auxiliary members there to help bring awareness to the situation. I am currently a trustee for the post level. I am so proud to support our Veterans and their Families!