Major George A. Smith HOOAH Award

Recognizes a veteran who defines citizenship through service to the country, both in uniform and beyond.

Background: Established in 2009 by the Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund. Major (Ret.) George A. Smith served over 20 years as a career military officer in the Army, including service with the 82nd Airborne and command of the Ranger's Alpha Company. He completed multiple tours overseas including peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Yemen, and Egypt, and served in Operation Just Cause in Panama. After military service, he continued serving through leadership positions with the European Congress of American Parents, Teachers, and Students and disaster response work with FEMA. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in January 2009. The award was founded by his children: Jennifer, David, Adam, and Chloe.

Eligibility: Veterans who exemplify citizenship through service

Award Frequency: Presented annually at the National Conference on Citizenship's Annual Conference

Recent Recipients

• 2024: Governor Wes Moore
• 2022: Josh Fryday
• 2021: Adam Kinzinger
• 2020: Ken Harbaugh
• 2019: Michael Washington
• 2018: Brenda Sue Fulton
• 2017: Eli Williamson
• 2016: William McNulty
• 2015: Becky Kanis Margiotta
• 2014: Ret. General Stanley McChrystal
• 2013: The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard
• 2012: Chris Marvin
• 2011: Eric Hilleman
• 2010: Derek Blumke