Havasu Heroes Spotlight: Sandy Smith Declares Every Veteran Counts

For the past 35 years, Sandy Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, has called Lake Havasu City home. The 65-year-old originally hailing from Erlanger, Kentucky, enlisted in the Army in 1981 at age 23, alongside her older sister through the buddy enlistment program.

Smith’s desire for education and travel led her to the military. She and her sister completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. “Basic was fun because my sister was there with me,” Smith reminisced. Without her sister, she believes the experience would have been far less enjoyable.

The sisters progressed to Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia. Smith’s role as a unit supply specialist placed her in charge of supplies, weapons, and logistics, ensuring her unit’s operational readiness.

“(Fort Lee) was where the parachute riggers were going to their school,” Smith recalled. Despite her sister’s fear of heights, the duo attended jump school in Georgia, enduring rigorous training that included running five miles twice a day in humid conditions.

After their time at jump school, the sisters were separated. Smith’s sister was stationed in Maryland, while Smith headed to Fort Huachuca in Arizona, where she fell in love with the state. Her military journey also took her to Germany and Italy, where she gained diverse experiences, including working with a field artillery unit in Germany and traveling extensively through Europe.

Smith rose to the rank of sergeant (E-5) before ending her service. With prior college education, she had entered the military as a private first class (E-3). She cherishes the friendships made during her service, noting the unique camaraderie that military life fosters.

In her post-military life, Smith found employment with the government, eventually opting for early retirement. She has since dedicated much of her time to volunteering in Lake Havasu City, contributing to events like the annual Balloon Festival and mentoring at Veterans Treatment Court.

Smith appreciates the strong support for veterans in her community. “It makes me happy to live in a town that is so veteran-friendly,” she said. Although she served primarily during peacetime, she feels respected and valued as a veteran.

Reflecting on her military experience, Smith advocates for structured environments like the military for young people. “I think it is such a great structured environment. I think that everybody should be required to serve a year just to get them on the right track,” she stated. Her belief is that every experience shapes who we become.