Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith, 33, of Nashville, N.C.

SSgt Smith was assigned to the 50th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Aug. 8, 2009 in Bagram, Afghanistan, from a non-combat-related incident that occurred Aug. 4, 2009 at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan.

Rocky Mount News -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday that Sgt. 1st Class Tara J. Smith of Nashville died from an unspecified noncombat medical condition.

Smith, 33, died Aug. 8 in Bagram, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Smith was assigned to the 50th Signal Battalion based at Fort Bragg. She deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2009.

“Tara Smith, in addition to being an outstanding noncommissioned officer and leader in the unit, was a bright and charming young woman who will be missed by all.” her battalion commander, Lt. Col Brian Foley, said.

Smith had been selected for promotion prior to her death and was posthumously promoted to sergeant 1st class.

Smith was born in Spring Lake and enlisted in February 1997. Her past duty assignments include Arifjan, Kuwait; Camp Casey, South Korea; and Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Smith’s military schooling included the Warrior Leader, Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense, Combat Lifesavers, Basic NCO and Advanced NCO courses.

Her decorations include the Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Korea Defense Service, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Global War on Terror Service medals.

Smith is survived by her husband, Deron Smith, and her children David, 8, and Jordan, 6. A memorial service for Smith was conducted in theater.

Army Staff Sgt. Tara J. Smith died 8/08/09 from a non-combat related incident occuring on 8/04/09.