U.S. Army veteran arl Smith was not
Real Hero Report | June 2019 | 29
expecng anything extraordinary when
he went to his mailbox in early April.
When sorng through his stack of mail, he
noced that he received a leer from The
White House.
Smith had previously wrien a leer
to resident Donald Trump in the spirit of
bringing race reconciliaon to our naon.
Smith explained in his leer that during
Operaon Desert Storm in 1991, he and his
friend, FC Christopher llio, came under
direct enemy re while in a convoy with
another heavy equipment transfer vehicle.
The two vehicles had taken a wrong turn and
ended up in the middle of ghng as raqi
tanks, armored patrol vehicles and troops
moved into the city of Khai, Saudi Arabia.
The two vehicles were outnumbered and the
two American soldiers in the vehicle ahead
were captured. Smith managed to act quickly
and speed out with lliot.
Smith and llio were able to signal for
help from the 1st Marine Division who were
deployed two miles away, resulng in the
eventual rescue of the two captured soldiers.
happen to be African American from
llinois and Chris llio happens to be
Caucasian from Alabama, Smith’s leer to
the resident explained. f a black man and
a white man can come together in peace
and harmony in the service of our country,
believe we can do it for our naon.
am connually humbled and inspired
by the unwavering commitment and bravery
of our service members, resident Trump’s
response reads. also deeply appreciate
your eorts to demonstrate that, no maer
our dierences, we are stronger when we are
united.
Smith was speechless when he realized
that he had received a response. He then
noced that resident Trump’s signature had
bled through to the back of the paper and it
was then that he realized that this was not a
stamped signature, but a personally signed
leer.
ust couldn’t believe it, said Smith.
had received a response signed by resident
Trump.
Thousands of leers reach the White
House each week, and a very small handful
make it to the resident’s desk. This leer
will certainly be treasured by Smith, and his
proud family members, for years to come.
Smith and lliot are sll dear friends to this
day.
Left, U.S. Army
veteran Earl Smith.
Above, Smith, right,
and his friend, PFC
Christopher Elliott.
Right, dear friends.