Dawn R. Smith

Dawn R. Smith is recognized as a true patriot across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions – because of her own military service and, throughout the past decade, for the remarkable commitment she has devoted to the health, safety and well-being of regional veterans.

Born and raised in Hammondsport, New York, Ms. Smith served in the United States Army from 1981-84 and 1986-87 as an Electronic Warfare/Signal Intelligence Voice Interpreter. She was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist.

Following her discharge, Ms. Smith attended Angelo State University (BA) and New Mexico State University (MSW) while raising two children and serving a long tour of duty as a military spouse. 

She has been employed at the Bath VA Medical Center since 2005 and currently serves her fellow veterans as Transition and Care Management (TCM) Program Manager (formerly known as OEF/OIF/OND). Among many responsibilities, she ensures that enrolled veterans have a smooth transition into the VA health care system and receive the care they need, along with conducting numerous outreach and Welcome Home events for local National Guard and Reserve units deployed overseas. 

Ms. Smith works closely with regional Veterans Service Officers, Veterans Counselors and local service organizations coordinating activities and spending countless hours working within communities to assist veterans and their families access all of the benefits they have earned and deserve. She is widely acknowledged and admired as the “go-to” contact when veterans or Service Officers have questions about a veteran’s VA health care.

In 2009 Ms. Smith was instrumental in founding and organizing a seven-county Veterans Recognition/Welcome Home Event, which has become increasingly popular and for the past several years has been held at Watkins Glen International to honor and thank local veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.

In 2014, Ms. Smith received a Congressional Commendation from United State Representative Tom Reed.

Dawn Smith and her husband, Brian, who is retired from the Air Force and also works at the Bath VA, currently reside in Watkins Glen, New York.