Chief Smith is originally from Linesville, Pa. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 and spent 27 years as an Aircraft Armament Systems Technician where he was responsible for the weapons loading and munition release maintenance on A-10, F-15, F-16, B-52, and MQ-9 aircraft. Chief Smith also had the opportunity to be a recruiter, Noncommissioned Officer Academy Instructor, and the Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader of the Department of Defense’s only air-to-air weapon system evaluation program. Along with having in assignments in Germany, Korea and multiple bases across the United States, Chief Smith has deployed to Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other undisclosed locations in the Middle East in support of Operations ALLIED FORCE, IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE.

 Chief Smith lives with his wife, Leona, and 2 boxers, Kaja and Tyson. He is the proud father of a daughter, Chloe, who has an MS in Clinical Psychology and is a marriage and family counselor and son, Deacon, who has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Master Sergeant Hope Sanders is a veteran who has dedicated her life to serving others. Born in Jamaica, she migrated with her parents and siblings to New York City and then to Miami, Florida, where she joined the Air Force after graduating from high school.  She retired after 24 years of fulfilling her dreams of seeing the world and pursuing her education.  

Assignments include Germany, Turkey, England, Greece, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and several locations in the Continental United States.  MSgt Sanders has attained an Associates degree in Information Management Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Master’s of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Education.  

MSgt Sanders is an Air Force Junior ROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Alamogordo High School where she has inspired the next generation of young leaders since 2020. When not actively in the classroom, she enjoys listening to music, traveling the world with her husband, trying new restaurants, keeping up with the latest fashion trends, reading books on various topics, and learning new languages.

She is the proud mother of three grown and amazing sons and even more proud of watching her three grandsons grow into phenomenal young men. She finds great joy in spending time with her family and friends and sharing her knowledge and experience with others.