Jimmie T. Smith continues his service to veterans, Floridians as he joins CVA-Florida as Coalitions Director
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Florida chapter of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA-FL) hired U.S. Army veteran and former State Representative Jimmie T. Smith as its Coalitions Director in the state. Smith brings his career of service in the Army and years in Tallahassee to help grow CVA-FL’s grassroots army and build on the strong partnerships CVA-FL has fostered to advocate for Florida’s veterans.
“As a veteran it has always been a privilege to serve,” Smith said, “but to me, service doesn’t have an expiration date. CVA has a strong record of leadership in advocating for policies to help veterans and all Americans live better lives, and I look forward to continuing my service to support my fellow veterans, their families, and our larger communities here in Florida and across the country.”
Russ Duerstine, CVA Deputy Director and head of CVA’s grassroots program, mentioned Smith’s background and career of service as a solid addition to CVA’s roster in Florida.
“As a veteran, Jimmie knows firsthand what our troops have sacrificed and what they face when they hang up their uniforms,” Duerstine said. “With his knowledge, his work in Tallahassee, and his dedication to service, we are very excited to add his experience and leadership to our already-strong and enthusiastic community of activists and volunteers in Florida.”
Smith retired from the U.S. Army in 2003 after 20 years of service with deployments to South Korea, Panama, and in Saudi Arabia (operation Desert Storm). He served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016 and is currently a County Commissioner for Citrus County in west-central Florida.
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