Alphonso “Al” Smith enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967. He received two Purple Hearts and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Al has spent his post-military life as a veteran advocate and community organizer. He served two years with Vietnam Veterans of America before founding and organizing VVA Chapter 964 in College Park, Georgia, and he founded a Riverdale-based Veteran Service Organization that helps veterans secure their earned benefits at no cost.
Professionally, he has built more than 40 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, helping people navigate the complexities of property finance. He studied at Georgia State University, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College, and holds an Associate of Arts from Lake-Sumter State College. He is the proud father of three.
On the Board of Directors, Al is a key member of the Membership Committee, focused on growing a local 1/9 chapter, and has been instrumental in building the Outside Advisory Committee.