An unforgettable Soldier

     When most people graduate from college they celebrate, seek a job or, perhaps, venture to Europe to find themselves.
     It’s different for someone in the military. Take 2nd Lt. Justin Smith, for instance.
     He eagerly studied at Campbell University as part of the ROTC program and had hoped to excel during his tour overseas, then buy a house with his wife and continue his career in the military. These dreams came to end Monday, Nov. 7, 2005, when Justin was killed while on patrol at a checkpoint in Baghdad.
     Smith graduated from Campbell University’s ROTC program in May 2004 and gained a reputation as being intense.
     “Some people are a jack of all trades but a master at nothing; Justin was a master of everything,” said Lt. Col. Ted Campagna, professor of Military Science at Campbell’s ROTC program.
     A natural athlete and incredibly fit, Smith was a financial whiz and managed a good word about everyone.
     “He had a bright disposition and had calm, soothing smile, which is pretty powerful for a leader,” noted Lt. Col. Fran Reese, executive officer of Campbell’s ROTC program.
     After leaving Campbell, Smith was stationed at Ft. Carson in Colorado. He became a platoon leader and his battalion was deployed to Kuwait in February and soon went to Iraq. From the beginning Smith fearlessly faced danger as he participated in over 100 combat patrols. During some of these patrols he encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), bombs that are put into everyday items including soda cans or road kill. The enemy uses these innocent items to trick soldiers into detonating one.
     On Nov. 7 around 5 p.m. a vehicle carrying explosives went through the checkpoint, one of the enemy’s most effective ways of attacking. This explosion killed four Americans, including Smith, and one Iraqi interpreter.
     Maj. Mike Collins, an instructor at Campbell’s ROTC program, said this event revealed Smith’s sterling character.
     “Justin probably didn’t have to be at that checkpoint, but if his troops were there, he would be there,” Collins said. “He felt it is the right thing to do to be with your soldiers. He was very intense and he strived for excellence.”
     Smith’s platoon has gone through many emotions since that grim day. Some sad, some angry, some frightened, but Lt. Col. Reese said they will continue to do what they were trained to do in his absence and something like this can bring the soldiers closer together.
     Smith left behind his wife Shellie and two sons, Spensir, 7, and Ayden, 13 months. Shellie’s parents are nearby as a support system.
     Justin Smith’s sacrifice will not go unnoticed. As Lt. Col. Campagna said, “He was a fantastic, all- American, strong, athletic, gentle giant who was a fabulous cadet and always led by example.”