KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is saddened by the passing of its oldest living past Commander-in-Chief, R.D. “Bulldog” Smith Jr., whose tenacity and continued advocacy for service members, veterans and their families helped solidify the organization's now renowned grassroots legislative efforts.
Smith was elected as VFW commander-in-chief at the 77th national convention in New York City on Aug. 20, 1976, and dedicated his life to ensuring veterans had strong support in Washington.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. He was assigned to the 356th Air Engineers Service Group, a unit that maintained B-29 heavy bombers in the 20th Air Force.
Smith joined the VFW in 1947, at Post 4346 in Toccoa, Georgia, where he maintained his Bronze Legacy Life membership. Following a move to Washington, D.C., where he worked on the staff of the House Un-American Activities Committee, Smith returned to Georgia and resumed his VFW activities. He served as VFW Department of Georgia commander, going on to serve as a member of the National Council of Administration, Southern Conference chairman and as a member of several national committees.
Smith’s greatest legacy rests on his diligent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. During his term as national commander, he worked to preserve the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs at a pivotal moment in history. The VFW had labored for years for the creation of a dedicated committee to ensure the voice and needs of veterans would be heard, and when threatened with its elimination, Smith’s leadership ensured VFW leadership from each state was present on Capitol Hill to lobby their senators directly, a first in the organization’s history. The VFW’s efforts successfully doubled the number of senators supporting the committee, and it is that same legislative advocacy and dedication that fuels the VFW’s National Legislative Service today. Smith retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service where he served as the assistant director from the State of Georgia.
Chief Smith understood that caring for veterans meant more than honoring their service and dedicated his life to the legislative influence the VFW is known for today, ensuring generations of veterans have had a powerful advocate in Washington. His service, vision and unwavering commitment to veterans have left an indelible mark on the organization for generations to come.
Read his obituary here.