After graduating from Frewsburg Central School in 1965, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy’s
delayed entry program on March 2, 1966. He attended recruit training at Great Lakes III in June 1966 and
was assigned to Basic Submarine School in New London, Connecticut where he graduated in November
1966. Upon graduation, Smith was assigned to the USS Skate (SSN-578) where he remained until March
1970. While onboard, he attended Fleet Sonar School in Key West Florida and became a Sonarman.
His various duty stations included USS Skate, USS Silversides (SSN-679), USS Gurnard (SSN-662),
USS Guitarro (SSN-665) where he was assigned as Chief of the Boat, Fleet Sonar School Key West Fl,
Naval Submarine School SSEP New London, Connecticut, Fleet ASW School San Diego, Submarine
Squadron Three San Diego, and Naval Sea Support Center San Diego as Command Master Chief.
Throughout his career, Dale earned the following decorations: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy
Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal and several other ships awards.
Upon retirement, after 26 years serving the Navy, Dale purchased a small business for the repair and
service of Laser Printers and Copies and remanufacturing of toner cartridges. Dale sold his business in
2010 after moving to Ramona California and purchasing his wife’s family 20 acre ranch where he raised
beef Cattle. Dale sold his ranch operation in 2020 but still resides in a home on the ranch and is actively
involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 in Ramona, California.
He is married to the former Marla Gideon. They have four children, three grandchildren and three great
grandchildren.
He is a Gold Legacy Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Life Member of the Submarine
Veterans Association, Life Member of American Legion and member of Santa Maria Masonic Lodge 580
here in Ramona.
Throughout the years, Dale has served the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the following capacities:
Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California in 2016/2017. Post Quartermaster
(8 years), Post Jr. Vice Commander, Post Commander (3 Years) and District 1 Commander. He has also
served on various committees and was State Membership Chairman for 2 years, Post Chaplain (2 Years),
and currently serves as Judge Advocate. He is a Triple Crown Winner having achieved All-American as
Post, District and State Commanders.
Dale Smith was elected as the National Council Member Department of California in June 2020 and is
serving a 4 year term where he is assigned to the Appeals Committee.
