The Department of Administration bid a fond farewell this morning to Charlie Smith, longtime Director of the N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs, who is retiring after 40 years of service to the state.
A veteran who saw active duty in the Vietnam War, Charlie has dedicated his life to ensuring that North Carolina veterans receive the services they have earned, not to mention the grateful appreciation of our state and nation.
Charlie’s service has spanned the administrations of eight North Carolina governors, each of whom has acknowledged the special role he played in providing quality services and leadership through District Offices serving all 100 counties. Gov. Bev Perdue, who described him as a “terrific friend and advisor,” surprised Charlie at his reception to express her appreciation.
“I have known Charlie for 20 years, and he has always asked what he can do to make things better for veterans,” said Perdue, who presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. “There is no greater way that we can recognize all of the people he has helped. Charlie is the epitome of someone who should receive this award.”
Several top military leaders sent their good wishes in writing, including Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who Charlie called his “hero.”
“You are a treasure,” Duckworth wrote. “Your unwavering commitment to Veterans and their families is apparent to all and North Carolina Veterans have been truly lucky to have had you as one of their strongest advocates.”
Gen. Shinseki himself, who gave Charlie the Secretary Award’s in September 2009, wrote that Charlie’s “achievements on behalf of North Carolina Veterans … set a high standard for concerned and compassionate leadership.”
Charlie also was surprised by a presentation from Rep. Grier Martin, a veteran and member of the Homeland Security, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, who presented a Certificate of Appreciation of behalf of the General Assembly as well as a military challenge coin.
Gen. Barry McCaffery, former US Director of National Drug Policy, stood with Charlie last August when they participated in the “Recovery Takes Flight” event at the Wilmington Treatment Center, a facility that focuses on the mental health needs of veterans. “I would once more like to thank you for the part you played in drawing attention to the need to veterans to seek and obtain help,” McCaffery wrote. “I was proud to work with you.”
Even Miss North Carolina, Adrienne Core, who made an appearance with Charlie and Gen. McCaffery in Wilmington – and reportedly charmed our retiree – send an autographed photo with her best wishes. On behalf of everyone at DOA, we also send our best wishes and sincere thanks.
