Considering the progressive direction of the current administration, one might not be surprised to find normal, everyday American citizens beginning to awaken to the aroma of socialism on the brink of rolling over into their own back yard. Americans are becoming afraid, not only for their own freedoms and futures but for that of their children and grandchildren. It has been made clear that our grandchildren have no social security. It has been spent. I don't even have grandchildren yet. The government is threatening to intervene in our health care and make decisions on our behalf. The problem with this is we have not asked them to do this. The government is preparing to change the second amendment right as we have known for so long. Our first amendment rights, those have already been stripped away the day they took prayer out of school and God out of the courts. Now, they are wanting to control how much and what radio show commentaries can say on their own show and how they run their ad campaigns. All of these very frightening things are merely the tip of a massive ice berg that will be very difficult to remove if it is allowed to land here. Because of this your everyday, normal All-American Joe is stepping way out of his comfort zone and into the political arena. Ex-Marine Jesse Kelly is running for Congress in Arizona, I know of another one who has not yet announced their candidacy, and today's patriot for Freedom Friday is Fire Chief Carl Smith from Thunderbolt, GA. Carl was born and raised in Thunderbolt, Ga the 12th Congressional district. He is a third generation firefighter in Chatham County where he has served as the Fire Chief for the past sixteen years. So, he is also a hero and we shall pay tribute to him on Freedom Friday.
Entering this world on August 13, 1969 was a boy destined to be a public servant. Carl's grandfather, father, and five uncles were all firefighters. He knew he either wanted to be a pilot or join the family line of public service. Carl Smith attended Johnson High in Thundrebolt, GA. He attended Savannah Tech for an Associates in Fire Science, however, the course was discontinued while he had four classes remaining. He is now working on an Associates in Business and a Bachelor's in Fire Administration at Columbia Southern. Fire Chief Tommy Morgan took Carl under his wing when he first entered the field and then again as he become a fire chief. Chief Morgan showed Carl the responsibility he had to take by using his talents and gifts to help as many people as he could. On influencing his childhood Carl says, “My Papa (grandfather) was a great man and always put his family and their needs before his own. He worked hard everyday on his job, then came home and worked in his garden. He always made time to talk to all of his grand kids and to help guide us along. Now, I would have to say my son is my greatest influence. Being a father is unlike anything else and it has helped me learn how to deal with my job, my employees, my friends, and everyone in general in a different way.” He currently attends and serves on the board at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The most important thing in Carl's life is his family. He lives life according to the three “F's”, Faith, Family, and Fire Service.
Hurricane Hugo called Carl to serve and lead proudly in disaster relief, as well as Hurricane Katrina, the Southern Georgia Wild Fires, and most recently the sugar refinery fires in Port Wentworth, GA. Carl is no stranger to making crucial decisions that are necessary during the time of a crisis within a short amount of time and under extreme amounts of pressure. Smith is a lifelong resident of Thunderbolt. He is a nationally certified fire officer and state of Georgia EMT. Carl served as President of the Savannah Firefighters Association, the Chatham County Fire Chiefs Association, and the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. In June of 2007 Smith was elected to serve as President of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs, a division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Carl says his interest in politics was always there, “Locally I have always been a little interested and involved. I usually get involved when I see a void in the leadership or direction of the local governing body. Statewide and nationally I have always paid attention and voted but never got too involved. I am interested in politics now because my son's future and the future of this country is in jeopardy. I want my son and everyone's children to have the same opportunities in this great country we have had and I see the likelihood of that disappearing each day. I love our country and believe we have to fight to preserve what we have. Nothing comes easy and protecting a Republic requires each of us to do our part. I am very concerned with some of the decisions and directions we are taking as a country. I also believe we have to do a better job of teaching others that they need to love and respect our country and not to take it and the Freedoms it provides for granted.”
Due to the recent state and direction of our nation Carl Smith has decided to run for the 12th District's Congressional Seat. Carl hopes that we can truly come together as one people putting our divisions at rest once and for all. He says, “We should not allow the people on the edges to frame the debate with their destructive rhetoric. When it comes to issues we have to realize that most of us agree 75% of the time on the solutions facing us as a country and that we need to start working together to solve the major problems of our time.” His favorite American President is Ronald Reagan because of his ability to draw Americans together for the common good of all. He was the only U.S. President leaving an impression on him with his leadership style and desire to help those willing to help themselves. Carl flies his American Flag, as did Ronald Reagan.
Looking back into his childhood Carl has fond memories of sharing Christmas with his large family. They would all come together to share in the holiday festivities. He also enjoyed the time with his grandparents. He recalls his parents always telling him to be himself and always give 100%. When asked about who he would like to model himself after he responded, “No one particular person, I would just rather be myself and try to do the right things to help people and to serve others including God.” Some of Carl's favorite verses are: John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Also his favorite is 1 Corinthians 4:7 “What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?”
In answering my question, “If you had to choose between loyalty and integrity which would you choose and why?”, Carl responded, “Although it is a tough question and I value loyalty a lot, integrity has to come first. You must live with your actions and decisions and if you compromise your integrity you have nothing to fall back on including loyalty.” Carl feels the same about honesty verses loyalty. He says, “Honesty, pretty much for the same reasons. There are times in your life when loyalty could prevent you from doing the right thing. If you place honesty and integrity above all else you can live with your choices.”
Carl's best friend is none other than his wife, Catherine. No offense Carl, but I believe you married up. I am only kidding. She is a beautiful lady. Their son is only the product of “gorgeous”. Carl enjoys playing the Wii with that gorgeous son and helping him learn how to read, count, and playing ball with him. Boating, fishing, and golfing a couple of times a year find their way into his busy schedule also. In addition to fighting fires, saving lives, teaching “Handsome Boy” to read and count, taking care of his Beauty Queen, he also volunteers in some capacity for the fire department and numerous chiefs and fire fighter associations. He was a volunteer Fire Fighter for twenty years. Carl would like to let the people know that he is a devoted husband and the proud father of a grateful son. He is running for Congress to reconnect real people with their representatives and take Common Sense back to Washington D.C. From Carl, “I understand dedication, responsibility, and conviction. This is what I can take to Washington. I am a public servant not a politician.”
During his off time you might find Carl enjoying a burger at Coach's Corner in Thunderbolt or or pizza at Tubby's while rooting for the Dawgs and the Falcons. If his team loses though, please leave him alone, he just might be a little edgy. Carl enjoyed playing baseball and football and now coaches little league. On a quieter day off Carl might enjoy reading A Purpose Driven Life or watching a “G” rated movie every now and then with his five year old. If you happen to run into Carl in the neighborhood, please give him a great big “Thank You” for his courageous service. Carl Smith is indeed a true hero and patriot. May God bless you and may God bless America.
