Behind the Uniform: Staff Sgt. David Smith
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Smith is a healthcare specialist with the 104th Medical Company Area Support, Maryland Army National Guard. Smith has answered the call to support his state and community through the COVID-19 pandemic by leading as the noncommissioned officer in charge of a mobile vaccination support team.
Teams of MDNG Soldiers and Airmen have formed these MVSTs in an effort to provide support to county health departments with vaccinations through the global pandemic in accordance with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Smith’s role as the NCO in charge of a MVST is integral to assisting with the acceleration of vaccination efforts across the state.
Why did you join the MDNG?
“I served 23 years between the U.S. Army, the Army Reserve, and the Maryland Army National Guard. I joined MDNG directly after serving on active duty to continue my military service obligation as a part of my hometown community. The Maryland Guard has a deep connection to history going back before the Battle of 1812. I wanted to be a part of a proud and dedicated team that I also considered family.”
What part of your training has prepared you most for this activation?
“It’s more than rewarding to be able to help in the community where I grew up. I would have to say it was my medical training that prepared me to be ready for any activation. Medics not only train to preserve the fighting strength of our Soldiers, we train to help all who are in need of medical assistance in peace time and during conflict.”
What is your favorite part of being a Service member?
“My absolute favorite part of being a service member is sharing what I’ve learned to my fellow Soldiers. I’m a Certified Army Medical Instructor and I have been instructing with the 70th Regional Training Institute for almost 7 years. Training as we fight is my motto and using real world lessons from actual downrange events. I also get great feedback from Soldiers when I share my experiences from being stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The more I teach, the more I learn.”
What are you doing to deal with stress?
“I spend quality time with my family. My wife and daughter inspire me to keep doing what I love. It’s important to have a great support system. I also like to exercise and spend time mastering my medical craft. Training for stressful conditions is a stress relief to me.“
What do you think are some of the differences between being a National Guard member and being a civilian?
“Military members are trained and conditioned mentally and physically to deal with extremes. Professionalism and Army values are used in everyday situations to maintain standards. I guess the main difference is that we took an oath to defend our country against all enemies, foreign, and domestic.”
Said Smith
What does it mean to you that the Guard is called up when the Nation needs help?
“It’s an honor and privilege to be called upon to help anyone in need. Especially when order and life is at hand. I feel blessed to still be able to serve and assist my communities. This is what we train for.“
