PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER IN CHIEF
JOHN SMART TO BE NATIONAL
REPRESENATIVE AT 92ND STATE CONVENTION
John W. Smart of Nashua, New Hampshire, was elected VFW Commander-in-Chief at the organization’s 100th national convention in Kansas City, Mo., August 20, 1999. Smart served in the United States Army from October 1970 to April 1973. In Vietnam, he was assigned to the 176th Assault Helicopter Company (Americal Division) at Chu Lai. His service in Vietnam was recognized with a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars. While serving in Vietnam, he joined VFW Post 2181 in Exeter, N.H. Following his return from military service in 1973, he moved quickly through the chairs and earned recognition as an All-American Department Commander during the 1981-82 year. In 1983, he served as chairman of the National Youth Activities Committee, and from 1991-1993, as chairman of the National Buddy Poppy committee. In 1995, he was appointed National Chief of Staff. Smart, a retired Nashua firefighter of 21 years service, has served as Department Adjutant/Quartermaster since 1985. Presently, he is a Life Member of VFW Post 483 in Nashua, N.H. In addition to his VFW membership, he belongs to the Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Americal Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Retired Firefighters Association and the Association of the U.S. Army. He has served as chairman of the Board of Managers of the New Hampshire Veterans Home since 1987, and has served as a state representative from Congressional District 28, Nashua, NH. Smart is currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Mary, have two children, John Jr., and Cheryl and four grandchildren. They make their home in Woodbridge, Va.
