Robert Wayne Smith's Page

I am a...

VFW Life Member

What Post do you belong to or are you a Member-at-Large?

Martin Leppert Sipes (Falls Church VA) Post 9274

When did you join the VFW or Auxiliary?

1999

Military Service History

Joined US Army in Chicago, Ill on 14 Feb 66. Discharged 16 Jan 69 at Fort Sheridan, Ill. Basic Training and AIT at Fort Polk, LA. Promoted to E-2. Sent to Ft. Hood, TX from 7-66 until 2 Nov 66 to newly organized 15th Support Brigade, destined to replace Saigon Support Command under MACV. Promoted to E-3. Left Tacoma WA on 2 Nov 66 on the Gen. William O. Darby troop ship and traveled to Vietnam, stopping briefly in Okinawa. Arrived Thanksgiving Day at Long Binh RVN. Unit disbanded in April. Promoted to SPC E-4 in Transportation. Transferred to 29th Transportation Group coordinating convoys. Transferred to Task Force Oregon 9-67, which later became Americal Division. Promoted to SPC E-5 in 12-67. Volunteered to extend tour 6 months in RVN. Transferred 6-68 to Ludwigsburg, Germany as Air Traffic Controller. Discharged January 16, 1969

Tell us about yourself

Born in Chicago, IL on October 6, 1947. Graduated from Waller High School (now Lincoln Park) 6-65. Attended Amundsen Junior College until joining US Army to obtain the benefit of the GI Bill. After discharge, attended Southern Illinois University, graduating in June 1973 with B.S in Journalism. Attended University of Texas at Austin obtaining M.Ed. in Special Education in July 1977. Worked as a journalist in Texas and at Austin American Statesman, US Today and USA Weekend magazine and as a teacher in Illinois, Texas and Virginia. With 2 daughters from previous marriage, married Christine Ann Fahnholz and, along with her 5 children, raised a "Brady Bunch" family (6 girls, 1 boy). Today, there are 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren which brings great pleasure to us as we celebrate life and volunteer in our community.
Appointed Military Aide-de-Camp to the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governor Timothy Kaine (2006)

Interests and hobbies

Publishing, photography, reading, geneology, and volunteering for activities that serve veterans.

Memberships in other organizations

The American Legion (past president, National American Legion Press Association (NALPA); past Executive Director, Virginia American Legion Press Association (VALPA); past commander, Arlington (VA) Post 139; past district commander of 17th District Sons of the American Legion; currently Adjutant and Member Chair for Post 124 in Falls Church (VA).

Sponsor of Young Democrats Club at South Lakes High School in Reston, VA.

Member of Fairfax Education Association (Chair of Credentials Committee and member of Government Relations Committee and Scholarship Committee); Virginia Education Association (member of Political Action Committee and delegate to 4 conventions); National Education Association (Editor of Democratic Caucus newsletter "Donkey Tales" and delegate to 4 conventions)