In the United States Armed Forces, the rank of colonel is only outranked by members who have “general” in front of their titles.
It is, in fact, at the top of the officer ranks and accomplished only by a selected few.
Elk City High School alumni John Paul Smith, recently joined the heralded group early this year when he was promoted to the position.
Although he had known of the major career development earlier, Col. Smith’s promotion ceremony was recently held on October 5.
Now known as Chaplain Colonel John Smith PhD, he has served in the United States Army since 1994.
“It was the best decision I ever made,”Col. Smith explained. “It is something that I would absolutely encourage other young people to consider. I have been able to serve my country and God, which has been an honor. I have also gotten to see the world, receive an education, and see the world.”
Although his education is expansive, most he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
Col. Smith is also a recipient of the Bronze Star and has been inducted in the 2020 Class of the Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame.
His most current detail includes overseeing chaplains from every faith currently serving in Japan.
“I have learned quite a bit from my theological studies, but I have learned the most from speaking directly with our chaplains and members of these faith. I want to know our soldiers on a personal level. Our goal is to assist them,” Col. Smith said.
Col. Smith is the son of the late John Paul Smith, Sr., and the late Shirley Jackson.
He and his wife Veronica share three children, Briana, Gabrielle, and Jaxton.
