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WHEREAS, Alan Gerard Smith, born in Braddock and the oldest of six children, has served his country in many patriotic ways and has made an impact everywhere he's been. Having retired from the United States Air Force as a Major in 2000 after twenty three years of enlisted and officer service, Al served as the Veteran and Military Liaison in the Office of Congressman Mike Doyle from 2000 to December 2013; and,
WHEREAS, in that capacity, Al assisted veterans and armed forces service members in navigating federal agencies, assuring that veterans received the most accurate and expedited attention they deserved; and,
WHEREAS, Al Smith was the liaison with the nation's service academies and advocated and assisted the young men and women seeking nominations to those academies ; and,
WHEREAS, Al has served on many boards , most recently as Board Chairman of the Veterans Leadership Foundation and as Board Member of the Western PA Military Affairs Council and formerly with the Steel Valley Authority and the Mon-Valley Initiative Community Investment Fund Committee. Al has also served in an advisory capacity for the Allegheny County Veterans Advisory Council, Community College of Allegheny County, Department of Veteran Affairs research programs and the Veterans Chamber of Commerce. A former Commander of the American Legion Post 63 for many years , Al still serves as an officer of the Post, is a lifetime member of the American Legion and AMVETS and has been recognized for his efforts to fight and keep our military bases and other facilities open during the Base Realignment and Closure. He has been honored as the Pittsburgh District Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year by the Small Business Administration and for his advocacy with the American Legion Homeless Corporation and the Allegheny County Council, and:
WHEREAS, Al is the proud father of two sons, Christopher and Michael, two daughters in law, Alyssa and Gabrielle and grandfather to Riley Ann Smith
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize, commend and congratulate "Big Al" for his dedicated service to Congressman Mike Doyle and his constituency, to the veterans of his district and for his years of service to his county ; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, , that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday , March 25, 2014, to be " AL SMITH DAY" in the City of Pittsburgh.