WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Damon Smith was selected as the Air Education and Training Command’s winner of the 2023 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. He will compete next at the Air Force level.
"Receiving the AETC Blacks In Government Meritorious Service Award is an immense honor that fills my heart with gratitude and pride,” said Smith. “It represents the recognition of efforts, dedication and the impact we strive to make in promoting equality and diversity. This award serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we work together, breaking barriers and building bridges.”
Smith is an operations officer within the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution Programs Directorate. He manages a 16-member, multi-disciplinary team responsible for a $94M budget and 2,200 geographically separated health professionals.
“Mr. Smith has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, selflessness and dedication in all his endeavors and we are proud to have him as part of our organization,” said Col. William Julian, director, AFIT Civilian Institution Programs. “His selfless service has touched the lives of many, and we are proud that he has won this prestigious award.”
Smith empowers his team to serve creatively, dutifully and with the highest level of customer service resulting in exceptional teamwork and camaraderie amongst the staff. His foresight and learning culture mindset has improved the team's overall performance, enhanced their ability to serve their customers, and resulted in the team winning the 4th quarter AFIT Team Award.
“I am deeply thankful to my incredible team whose unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” said Smith. “Their commitment and shared vision have propelled us towards greater heights, and I am truly grateful for their contributions. Together, we will continue to inspire, uplift, and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve."
He also championed the Directorate’s information technology network transformation by hosting seven tutorial sessions and authored numerous tips and tricks for the team. His actions enabled the staff to acquire essential skills and expediently transition to the new Air Force Network server with zero down-time.
As President of the Greater Dayton Chapter of Blacks in Government, Smith leads a chapter with more than 50 members as they provided guidance, opportunities, and support to local government employees. He accompanied a team of delegates to the 43rd Annual Blacks In Government National Training Institute and brought back valuable insights and knowledge that has significantly benefited the Department of the Air Force.
Under Smith’s leadership, the GDC-BIG team provided extensive community support, such as awarding $3,000 in scholarships to students, and collecting and donating 20+ backpacks full of school supplies. The GDC-BIG team also operated a hydration station and provided nourishment to over 4,400+ participants of the 2022 USAF Marathon.
Smith is a steadfast role model in his commitment to volunteerism having dedicated countless hours to helping homeless Veterans and local citizens. He categorized over 6,000 clothing and bedding items for more than 600 homeless citizens in and around the Dayton area and expertly directed a team of 50 volunteers in collecting over 100 toy items and $1,100 in donations for the For the Love of Children annual toy drive. He also created a team that assisted in laying over 300 wreaths to honor Veterans buried at the Dayton VA Cemetery.
Smith was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Central High School. He joined the Air Force following High School and served for 26-years before retiring in 2013 to begin his second chapter as a civilian employee. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in occupational education and a master’s degree in human resources.
Damon Smith was selected as the Air Education and Training Command’s winner of the 2023 Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award. He will compete next at the Air Force level. Smith is an operations officer within the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution Programs Directorate.