Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. Smith, 35, native of Destrehan, died Nov. 23 when his H-60L Black Hawk helicopter crashed on Fort Hood.
Smith was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, First Army Division West.Smith entered active-duty service in June 2000 as a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 291st Aviation Regiment, Division West, 1st Army, Fort Hood, since Oct. 29.
He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2004 to March 2005, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from September 2011 to September 2012 and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel from September 2014 to May 2015.
His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, two Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, five Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars.
Smith’s awards and decorations also include Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Aviation Badge, and Senior Aviation Badge.
His accomplishments aided in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, graduated ALC, SLC, USAF Airlift planner WLC, FI school, SI school, ER med tech course, Hazmat Family Safety, Small Arms Maintenance, developed SOP for LUH at Fort Polk. Smith graduated from Destrehan High School in 1999.
Smith was beloved husband of Trisha Andrews Smith; father of Jason “JJ” Jr., 17, Dominick, 13, and Nathanial, 10; son of Shelia and Rock Hall; son-in-law of Beverly and Greg Andrews; brother of Jim (wife, Shan) Uncle of Holly, Aaron and Peter.
A service was held Dec. 8 at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner followed by visitation and interment in Jefferson Memorial Gardens Cemetery. To view or sign the online guest book, please visit www.muhleisen.com
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