Captain Lafe Z. Smith was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School class 14-69. 3 April 1969. His first duty assignment was Platoon Leader D/1/12, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) Fort Campbell, Kentucky. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Platoon Leader, 1st Air Delta 1st BT 12 Cav, Vietnam; Platoon Leader, 1st Air Calvary Division, Vietnam; XO COA, Alpha Company 1-12th Cav, Vietnam; 1542 Infantry Unit Commander, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd AIT Bde USATC, Fort Lewis, Washington; USAR, Grand Junction, Colorado. | After leaving active duty, he served in the Army Reserves for four years in Grand Junction, Colorado, during which time he managed Western Industrial Laundry. He later owned and managed Pacific Linen & Uniform Service. He was recognized for using his business to improve and service his local community. His community involvement and awards include, JCOC Montrose, Colorado, Oregon State Sheep Commission, JCOC Klamath Falls, Oregon, Lions Club Bonanza, Oregon, Bonanza High School Booster Club, Kiwanis Klamath Falls, Oregon, Rotary Club Klamath Falls, Oregon, 4-H Club Leader Klamath County, Klamath County Fair Board, Chairman Klamath County Sheep Producers, Oregon Wool Growers Board, District, State, and National FFA Association Judge, Paul Harris Fellow Klamath Falls Rotary, Klamath County School District Budget Committee, Bonanza High School FFA Advisory Committee, Van Donation to Klamath County Dive Rescue Organization, 4-H County and State Citizen Washington Focus Coordinator 1987-1996, Institute of Industrial Laundry MagArizonaine Recognition for Community Service, Institute of Industrial Laundry MagArizonaine Recognition for Small Laundries Management, Herald and News Recognition for Community Beautification for Planting Trees around Business, Outstanding Service Award Bonanza Schools 1990, Honorary Oregon State FFA Degree 1996, and Oregon State 4-H Distinguished Service award 1996. | His military awards include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, 2 Bronze Stars for Valor, and Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.