Michael A. Smith was a friendly, easy-going young man who had one of those rare personalities that allowed him to quickly make friends with everyone he met. He was also a brave soldier, who died a hero, fighting for the beliefs, the people and the country he cared for so deeply. Sgt. Smith was born and raised in the small, southern Arkansas town of Camden. There, he is remembered by those who knew him best as a good and gentle soul, who was always concerned about the welfare of others, and often went out of his way to help them whenever they were in need. Upon his 1999 graduation from Camden Fairview High School, Sgt. Smith set his sights on Southern Arkansas University Tech. Attending the University would allow him to stay close to his family in Camden while pursuing his interest in computers. To help pay his way through college, Sgt. Smith joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. Once he completed his military service, he had plans to return home and begin his education. Sgt. Smith became a member of the Guard's 39th Support Battalion. He was later called up to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was stationed at Camp Taji, about 16 miles northwest of downtown Baghdad. To his comrades in the 39^th, "Smitty" quickly became one of the guys; a dedicated soldier who never complained, always did his duty, and could be entrusted with the lives of those around him.

This November, family and friends of Sgt. Smith were excited with the news that he would be taking his leave of service, and would possibly be home before Thanksgiving. Tragically, five days before he was set to return to Arkansas, he was shot by a sniper while conducting patrols in Baghdad. As a result of the injury, he was flown to Landstuhl Army Medical Center in Germany and then to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His parents, Donald Ray and Deborah, and his sister, Lai, came to visit him in the hospital's intensive care unit. Although Sgt. Smith never regained consciousness in his two weeks at Walter Reed, his family was with him in his final moments before he passed away on November 26.

At his memorial service in Camden, Sgt. Smith's coffin, surrounded by red, white, and blue flowers, was placed at the front of his high school gymnasium. Throughout the service and in the aftermath of his son's passing, Donald Ray Smith described the outpouring of love from the community as "remarkable." It was a testament to the gratitude of a community fully aware of the ultimate sacrifice paid by their fallen Arkansas soldier in the name of freedom. In the 24 years Michael Smith was with us, the impressions he made and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. Although he will be deeply missed by us all, it is his selflessness,his courage, and his heart that we will remember when we think of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald Ray, Deborah, Lai, and the rest of his family, friends and loved ones.