GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The Air Force Chaplain Corps is renowned for providing religious, emotional, and physical support to Airmen and their families, and while one Grissom Chaplain does just that he also went above and beyond recently earning him the highest distinction in Indiana.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Obadiah Smith, Jr., 434th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, was awarded The Sagamore of the Wabash Award, on behalf of then Indiana Gov. Mike Pence during a Commander’s Call here Jan. 7.
“I was extremely humbled when I found out I had received the award,” said Smith. “It’s proof that if you continue to serve and live by our core values God will elevate you in his own due time.”
After being notified he would receive the award, Smith said he was astonished after he had done some research and discovered its significance.
The state of Indiana describes the award as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to Indiana or the governor. Among those who have received the award have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to the Hoosier heritage.
Following in the footsteps of prior recipients, Smith was highly regarded for his distinguished service to the state of Indiana. That service was exemplified during his appointment to the Indiana Veteran Affairs Commission between 2013 through 2017.
“I can’t say enough good things about [Smith],” said Richard Jewell, IVAC chairman, who presented Smith the award on behalf of the former governor. “He always brought a unique perspective to issues regarding veteran affairs that pushed the commission to consider multiple objectives before making decisions.”
The IVAC mission is to advise the Indiana governor and legislation on all matters pertaining military and veteran issues. Another important role is its duty to administer the Military Family Relief Fund, a $9 million fund used to assist veterans.
“[Smith] has been the go-to guy, helping set up guidelines for the administration of the relief fund for the state of Indiana,” added Jewell. “He was a valuable asset to the organization and we could always depend on him.”
The awards name, “Sagamore,” was a term used by Native American tribes of Indiana to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe whom the chief consulted for wisdom and summed up Smith’s role during his tenure with IVAC.
“[Smith] brought with him a unique perspective from both the civilian side and the military side of issues that were presented to us,” said Jewell. “His all-around knowledge of the military and issues [military members] dealt with greatly shaped the direction our organization went when it came to making decisions.”
In addition to his contributions to IVAC, Smith also provided religious services and counseling to over 2000 military and Department of Defense civilian employees stationed at the Hoosier wing from 2007 to 2017.
“I’ve known Chaplain Smith for a long time; he’s always gone above and beyond to take care of military members and their families,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “His receipt of this award is just, and deserved.”
Despite the recognition for his selfless service to the state of Indiana, Smith credits his dedication to helping others as a calling.
“Service before self; I lead by example and hope my family and others I’ve helped through my service to them will do the same,” said Smith. “I hope they will take what I’ve given them and understand that if they to serve their community and others God will elevate them in due time.”
Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, but also three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment.
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