Kenya Lamonte Smith served in the United States Air Force and the Reserve. He was an Aerospace Security Specialist.

Mr. Smith was deployed and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, charged with leading a 44-man team. His military service took him around the world, and he later transitioned to the Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge.

Mr. Smith was born on January 31, 1964, in Harlem, New York to Harry Floyd Smith and Jean Eleanor Squire Smith. Raised in the New York City public school system, he was active in youth programs such as the Cub Scouts and Police Athletic League, where he developed leadership skills and excelled in sports and martial arts.

Mr. Smith attended August Martin High School (1978–1982) in Queens, where he was involved in athletics, Civil Air Patrol, and a flight program. He later earned a track scholarship to Tuskegee University and majored in Computer Science and Mathematics. Mr. Smith joined the Air Force ROTC and became a member of the Arnold Air Society and the Silver Trowel Masonic Lodge. He also played in the Tuskegee University Crimson Piper marching band.

Professionally, Mr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in IT and network services across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He is a long-standing Master Mason (York Rite and Scottish Rite 32°), a Prince Hall Shriner with Medina Temple No. 19, and holds the title of HPIP Imperial Deputy. He is also a martial arts Master Instructor with over 35 years of experience and has been a professional photographer for 35 years.

Mr. Smith’s favorite quote is, “If success was easy, then everyone would be successful,” by Mr. Magic.