“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”

 

“Randall Smith” called out by Bob Habern. “Randall Scott Smith” The roll call took place in complete silence. Though others responded, Randall does not answer. Bob, District Disabled Veteran’s Commander Chapter 54, calls again, louder this time,

“Petty Officer, Second Class, Randall Smith”. After a short delay Sheriff Jason Landers stands and answers, “Petty Officer, Second Class, Randall Scott Smith is not with us. Randall was killed in action serving his country.” It is Randall’s final roll call.

We have been watching closely as the day has come and now gone for the Randall Smith memorial. If you recall, Randall Smith from Paulding, Ohio was serving in active duty Navy service in Chattanooga, TN on July 16 when a domestic enemy carried a machine gun in and fired upon those at the Naval Operations Support Center. Randall, though not scheduled to work, came in that day to finish a project. When the person came in shooting, Randall drew the fire away while others were able to escape. Altogether five people died as a result of the attack. Without Randall reports say many others may also have been killed.

The funeral Service took place in Chattanooga on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 where he was buried with full military honors.

All of this took place down south, but Paulding, Ohio also needed closure. It was scheduled with the family, county, and school to have the event take place on Saturday, August 1st.

Mourners from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and as far away as Arizona came to the ceremony in Paulding.

Breakfast started at the Paulding VFW and the morning began with the Legion Riders meeting at Walmart in Defiance. Eric Holzer led the 6-mile long group southwest on Emerald Road toward First Christian Church where more Riders joined in. The group of 800 drove around the school, under the 20’x30’ flag suspended by the Paulding and Defiance ladder firetrucks, and parked in the designated area.

 

While the Riders were arriving Dan Meyer played his guitar and sang to the veterans waiting to enter, “It’s all because of you.”

Joel Kociancic a firefighter of Perrysburg, OH entered with the bagpipes as the posting of the colors took place and the Riders filed in, paying their last respects. The service continued after the roll call and prayer. Amanda Heil from Napoleon beatifully sang the National Anthem right after the last VFW Rider passed.

Randall was born April 16, 1989 in Paulding, Ohio where he graduated from Paulding High School with the class of 2007. Randall served with the US navy as an active duty logistics specialist on the USS Wasp in Norfolk, VA for three years, Upon his recent re-enlistment, he was stationed at the naval Operations Support Center in Chattanooga, TN. He was responsible for the training and transportation of active duty Naval personnel. Randy was honored to serve on special detail at the Chattanooga National Cemetery – where he was later interred. He was also enrolled at Ashford University where he was on the Dean’s List working on a degree in hospital administration.

The moving service by friends such as Greg Reinhart, Jeff Dye and baseball coach Joel Parrott was incredible. Joel mentioned how Randall came in to class after he had graduated several years before and talked of ups and downs and how much our choices do impact lives once we become adults—more than we’ll ever know.

Specifically mentioned is Randall’s grandparents, Hiram and Catherin Smith. They were very influential in his life and they were his primary caregivers.

Representative Tony Burkley articulated the condolences from the state house and senate while Tony Zartman spoke of the resolution approved by the Paulding County Commissioners offering their condolences.

Drew Gardner had an excellent message of hope and service to others. John 15:3 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Randall is mentioned has having gave his life for his fellow servicemen. He delayed the attacker, drawing him away from other service members while the Chattanooga Police arrived, taking down the assailant.

A fund has been established for the family at First Federal Bank. Donations can be given at any branch location. Angela Smith and daughters Lyla, Eila and Kyla were not able to attend in person. They had family here from both sides of the Ohio/Indiana state line.

Drew also thanked many people and businesses: Annin Flagmakers in New Jersey donated the use of the 20×30’ flag (in the pictures). The obituary bulletin was provided by Den Herder. The glossy memorial card was printed and donated by West Bend Printing & Publishing. There were many others who deserved to be thanked too including the Sheriff’s Office, Paulding School Superintendent Bill Hanak, Paulding County EMA, Paulding and Defiance VFW, and many more!

Over 35 different law enforcement, fire, and emergency agencies participated in this memorial. And more than 130 law enforcement officers at this event from throughout the state, as far away as Cincinnati participating, not only to pays respects, but to make this location safe. Sheriff Landers stated, “My goal is to make sure the area is secure. We don’t want weapons, bombs or anything else here.” The intent was met and those grieving were able without issue thanks to all that helped keep everyone safe. With no dissents, problems, issues, or protests, the day went just fine!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church for Randall Smith, C/O First Federal Bank, PO Box 253, Paulding Ohio 45879 or the Capital Bank beneficiary account for Randall Smith, PO box 2146 Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. Funds will be in an education trust for Randall’s three daughters.

More pictures here:

 

Congressman Bob Latta Cosponsors Resolution to Award Purple Heart to Servicemen Killed or Wounded in Chattanooga

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) released the following statement regarding H.Res. 383, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the appropriate award of the Purple Heart to the Marines and Sailor killed or wounded in the recent attack at the Navy Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center and the Armed Forces Career Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Among the five servicemen killed during the Chattanooga shooting was Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, of Paulding County, Ohio.

“As we pray and grieve with the families of these brave servicemen, we honor their service, and their memory. In their dedication to the great cause of preserving liberty, they made the ultimate sacrifice, and deserve recognition befitting our heroes.”