TJ Smith ’22, 13 F, Forward Observer – Sergeant, Pa. National Guard
Smith joined the National Guard in 2019 while they were a student at DelVal. “I wanted to do something more than ‘just college,’” they said. “I wanted to be able to contribute to the United States and make my mark on the world outside of college.” Smith earned their bachelor of science degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in Agriculture in 2022. One day, Smith plans to use their degree to become a teacher, but for now, they are applying their skills and experience gained at DelVal to serve their country overseas.
TJ's "Office Space": Since January of 2024, Smith has been stationed at a U.S. Army post near the eastern shoreline of Africa. As a sergeant, they lead a squad of four to five soldiers. While the exact location of their deployment remains classified, Smith described it as a coastal environment with beautiful weather, rich agriculture, and wildlife that can sometimes pose danger. Due to these risks, nightly curfews are in place to ensure the safety of personnel. Having never been overseas before, Smith is embracing the opportunity and finding enlightenment in this unique experience.
Roles and Responsibilities: No two days are the same for Smith. They may be out on patrol, conducting training exercises, performing surveillance and reconnaissance, or assisting in humanitarian efforts. Sometimes, Smith supports the Joint Operational Command Center (JOC), where higher-ranking officers, such as majors and generals, plan missions and track area movements. In a combat situation, Smith and other forward observers would operate between enemy lines to assess threats and enemy positions. Their task would then be to relay this information and coordinate artillery, mortar, or air strikes to stop enemy advancements to protect our troops.
Connection to DelVal: Smith credits their time as a student-athlete at DelVal, particularly in field hockey and lacrosse, for giving them the confidence and leadership skills needed in their current role. “I remember when I first got to DelVal as a freshman, I was terrified of everyone,” they recalled. “But by the time I left DelVal, I could hold regular conversation and feel comfortable with who I was as a person. I had the confidence to lead others and step up when needed. A lot of that came from being a team captain, and I’m grateful to Coach Carol DiGirolamo for giving me the time and space to grow as a leader.”
The Rewarding Aspect: “I think the most rewarding experience so far was visiting local schools,” said Smith. “Seeing the kids get excited just to see us and play soccer with us made my heart smile. Giving back to a community that has so little but asks for so much less was incredibly humbling. I was also able to use my degree and my knowledge of agriculture to go out with our public affairs crew and work with some of the local farmers and discuss different farming techniques, especially for those working in some of the more sandy areas.”
