Laura Smith enlisted in the US Navy in March of 1990 after being inspired by her younger brother who also served in the Navy, furthering the long line of service in her family. Her grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and her uncle in 1955. Her Father was part of the Air National Guard and to top it all off; her Father-in-law served in the Air Force during the Korean War and her Son-in-law is currently serving. Starting her Navy career in ROTC Orlando Florida for boot camp in July 1990. Upon completion of boot camp, she was flown to the USS Yellowstone AD-41 which was currently deployed for Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

 Laura was a Radioman/ IT for almost 10 years of active duty and 2 years in reserves. Despite Norfolk Virginia being her new home base for several years, she sailed out on the USS Yellowstone. After A school she went to NCTAMSLANT (Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic) where she worked for NavCompars- (Naval Communications Processing and Routing System) for both of her pregnancies in 1992 and 1994. She returned to the sea between both stays at NCTAMALANT. She served on the USS Hunley AS-31 sub tender on the Atlantic Ocean.

Between December 31^st, 1997, and January 7^th, 2000, she was stationed at Commander Second Fleet, where she was the Admirals Webmaster/ Web Administrator. Helping set up the first ship-to-shore satellite link. Laura’s remaining years were spent at CV 0376 Naval Air Station in Point Mugu from January 8th, 2000 - January 7th, 2002 in reserves, where she had another child. She earned many qualifications and awards, striving above and beyond for her country. Laura earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal Navy , Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), and the Battle "E” Ribbon to name a few.

 Laura continued to serve differently after being discharged from military service. She faithfully raised and homeschooled her seven kids and when most had grown, she found more ways to bless those around her. She poured into the lives of Veterans at Coffee for Vets and other veteran organizations around the Antelope Valley, which led her to join the VFW as a life member in May of 2021. She now serves as one of VFW Post 3000 Honor Guard and as Post Service Officer. In 2023 she was asked to become one of the Sargent-at-Arms for the state of California VFW.  Laura still finds time to enjoy her hobbies of knitting and sewing. Above all, seeking to pour herself into the lives and betterment of those around her.

Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy  Battle "E” Ribbon, Good Conduct (2 times), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asis Service Medal (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS)