Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, in May was honored as Representative of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council.
Smith serves as chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and is himself a veteran after serving in the Army, where he specialized in military intelligence. He’s also a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus.
It was after speaking to a Joint Session of the Legislature on Veterans Awareness Day, May 12, that he was surprised to be named Representative of the Year by the Veterans Council and awarded the council’s majestic eagle statue.
“I was totally shocked by this honor,” Smith said. “It’s my heart to serve the interest of our veterans here in the state Legislature. I respect their service and their sacrifices, and those that their families make in order for them to serve. So many others in our Legislature have served in the military as well, so it was quite humbling to receive this award and recognition. I’m very grateful.”
The Oklahoma Veterans Council’s mission is to represent all Oklahoma veterans and their families, advocating at the federal and state levels on behalf of those who have served. There are currently 275,000 military veterans who make their home in Oklahoma.