Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JANUARY 25 - 31, 2023 UCW 7 NEWS U.S. Army Special Operations soldier killed during shooting in Raeford a STAFF REPORT A 3rd Special Forces Group (Air- borne) soldier was killed Jan. 18, in a shooting in Raeford, according to a media release from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Staff Sgt. Jimmy Lee Smith III, 24, was pronounced deceased by emer- gency medical services upon their arrival at the scene. Local law enforcement officials in Hoke County are investigating the case. "Jimmy was a tremendous team- mate and paratrooper," said Col. John D. Bishop, commander of 3rd Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). "He was an outstanding culinary specialist and an absolute asset to 3rd Group," he said. "More importantly, he was a great human being. Like all members of 3rd Group, Jimmy and his family will always be part of 'e Tribe.' Our thoughts, prayers and con- dolences are with his loved ones, friends and teammates through this incredibly difficult time." Smith's leadership and camarade- rie left an impact on his team. "Jimmy was more than just an NCO; he was a mentor, a shoulder to cry on, a comedian at times, but most of all a great friend," said Spc. Roenice Todd, a Group Support Battalion member. "It was truly an honor to be able to learn from him." Staff Sgt. Michael Zapata, a friend, added, "Staff Sgt. Smith was a lead- er, a go-getter, and a great friend. He was the example of what a para- trooper should be and touched the lives of hundreds of other soldiers and paratroopers in the process. Paratroopers don't die, they simply slip away. See you at final manifest." Smith joined the Army in 2016 and served in the 2nd Infantry Divi- sion at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, before ar- riving to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in March 2020. Smith served with distinc- tion as a culinary specialist in the Group's Support Battalion. Smith deployed to Jordan in 2020 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His awards and decorations include the Army Commen- dation Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Army Achieve- ment Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (with one oak leaf clus- ter), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Ter- rorism Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Medal, the Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge. Staff Sgt. Jimmy Lee Smith III (Photo courtesy U.S. Army Special Operations Command) Health, Vision, Dental Insurance Property and Casualty Insurance Retirement Benefits Paid Leave, Paid Holidays Cafeteria Plan (IRS Code Section 125) Cancer - Intensive Care or Critical Care Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending TRICARE Supplement Benefits • • • • • • • • • hr@faytechcc.edu • (910) 678-7342 • (910) 678-8378 WE ARE ACTIVELY RECRUITING! We offer an excellent benefits package to include: To view the qualifications and/or apply for these and other positions, please visit our employment opportunities at https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/. For assistance or questions please contact FTCC Human Resources Start your new career with SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION >>>>