Army Officer Awarded 2024 UA Online Legendary Service Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — U.S. Army Maj. Kimberly A. Smith is the recipient of the 2024 University of Alabama Online Legendary Service Award.

UA Online will celebrate Smith’s remarkable accomplishments during the Nov. 16 home football game against Mercer University on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, where she will be formally presented with the award. Kickoff is Saturday at 1 p.m.

Smith is recognized for her exceptional 14 years of service and leadership as an active-duty aviator in the U.S. Army. A brigade operations officer pursuing her master’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics through UA Online, Smith is a dynamic force in the skies, classroom and her community helping the disadvantaged.

Originally from southern New Jersey, Smith’s military journey began with a dream: “I thought it would be awesome to fly helicopters, and that would be super unique to do. And that’s what kind of drove me into the Army and selecting aviation.”

Her tenacity has allowed her to overcome challenges in a predominantly male field, proudly serving as an AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot and earning recognition and accolades such as the Combat Action Badge for engagement with the enemy during combat operations and Air Medal for acts of heroism and other meritorious service.

Presently stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Smith’s career has taken her around the globe, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq and assignments in Germany and South Korea, where she built the first U.S.-Korean interoperability initiative for attack helicopter units, and supporting the training of Ukrainian forces. Earlier in her career, she spent time at Fort Rucker, now Fort Novosel, in southern Alabama.

“I’ve built some really close friendships and relationships that I will have with me for the rest of my life,” Smith said, emphasizing the robust support system within her military family.

Balancing military duties with academic pursuits is no small feat, but Smith appreciates the flexibility of UA Online’s master’s program.

“They have a great program and are very military-friendly, so that was a big thing for me: having some flexibility with a school that understands what military members are doing while trying to get their online degree,” she said.

This adaptability allows her the opportunity to earn the degree that, she said, “opens up doors for outside the military once I retire.”

In addition to her studies, Smith has a long history of community service. She has volunteered in Nepal and Thailand, tutoring children, and worked with a senior center in South Korea, where she organized visits to provide companionship to the elderly. Smith said it was “a lot of fun just being able to help the community.” She’s also involved in local outreach programs in the United States, working to raise awareness about preventing soldier suicide.