Honor Mission
SGM Stephen J. Smith
United States Army - Retired
Global War on Terrorism Veteran
Ilion, NY - 02/25/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 3, Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
Patriot Guard Riders has been invited to participate in honoring another American hero, US Army Sergeant Major (Ret.) Stephen J. Smith of Ilion, NY. Stephen, 55, passed away unexpectedly due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
Born in Ilion, NY, Stephen attended Ilion Schools, graduating with the Class of 1987. He enlisted in the US Army and was a highly decorated, career service member, having earned a Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (8th award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, he served in a designated imminent danger pay area, Global War on Terrorism Medal (AFSM), Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), NATO Medal, Kuwait. He served in Iraq and received an Albania/Kosovo Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge - Bronze.
Upon Steve's honorable discharge and retirement at the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9), his dedication continued beyond active duty as he was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Ilion Elks Lodge, a dedicated Mason, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Hope for Heroes initiative.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in SGM Smith's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
02/25/2025 at 01:45pm
Staging Location:
Whiter Hendrix Funeral Home
100 Otsego St.
Ilion, NY 13357
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Jim Sieffert
315-525-6802
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 15, May 2024
The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.
Special Information:
Please join me in honoring Stephen with our flag line during calling hours at the funeral home from 2 PM to 5 PM. Thank you for honoring our hero veterans.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
James Sieffert
rs 02/23; MER
