Paul Smith 

Paul was born in Yonkers, New York. He married his wife Gloria in 1970 and has two children, Lisa and Matthew, and two granddaughters. 

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Raised in a Roman Catholic family, Paul was an active member of his congregation. In his youth, he was also very active in sports, particularly track and cross country.

 

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after completing high school in 1960, with the objective of earning his GI Bill for college tuition. While serving as an Electronics Technician at Naval Station Norfolk he volunteered for Underwater Demolition Team Training in November 1962 in response to a call for volunteers following to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Shortly after completing training, he determined that a career in Naval Special Warfare (UDT/SEALS) was right for him. In 1967 he was accepted into the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) which led to a degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University and a U.S. Navy commission. He me Gloria while attending Marquette. Following graduation, he was assigned to SEAL Team Two and served in Naval Special Warfare assignments until retirement in June 1997. Following retirement from the Navy, he worked for a defense contractor, BAE Systems, as a Program Manager until final retirement in August 2017.

 

Shortly after marrying Gloria in 1970, he completed his adult confirmation classes in the LCMS. He became active in the church when his children became active in their church youth group. He has found that church volunteer work is both spiritually rewarding and enjoyable. The association with other people of faith in efforts to support the Church and grow the Kingdom is its own reward. He has served on several boards and committees including outreach, Elder and Trustee. He has also served as a church council president.

 

In retirement, he enjoys family activities, travelling, sailing, exploring nature and most importantly, participating in Bible Study.