Judy Smith - Commander. Nonprofit Leader. Keeper of the Flame.

Some stories stretch across oceans, decades, and deeply held vows. Judy Smith’s is one of them. Her life has been defined by service, reinvention, and a love story that continues even after goodbye.

Judy began her career as a high school teacher in the 1970s. But after three years in the classroom, she felt a pull toward something entirely different—and boldly joined the U.S. Navy. It was the first of many courageous reinventions. She would go on to serve for 21 years, retiring as a Navy Commander, a woman of strength and discipline in a space that was still largely male-dominated. Her commitment to the Navy’s peacekeeping mission, particularly during and after the Vietnam era, shaped her deeply.

“The military taught me that timing is everything,” Judy says. “And that you can trust your instincts even when the path ahead looks unfamiliar.”

That philosophy guided her through some of life’s hardest pivots—like the shock of a divorce early in her career, with a young child and a mortgage to manage. She survived, adapted, and rebuilt. Her second marriage, though it lasted just five years, brought her beloved daughter Jessica. And then, just when she least expected it, love came again.

Judy met Chet—her soulmate, her partner, her match in purpose and passion. Fittingly, they married on Flag Day, June 14, 1986. Their nearly 38 years together were marked by profound respect, laughter, and shared mission. Chet, a decorated Navy hero who received the Navy Cross and Silver Star for valor in Vietnam, was her equal in every way. When he passed away in April 2024, Judy lost not only her husband but a kindred spirit.

After her military retirement, Judy embarked on a second 21-year career in the nonprofit sector, where she earned her doctorate in Organizational Leadership. She loved the contrast between military structure and nonprofit collaboration—and poured herself into causes that made a difference.

She retired for good in her 60s and moved with Chet to the countryside of Wisconsin to live their dream life on a peaceful farm. “It was absolute bliss,” she says. “No responsibilities to anyone but each other, our family, and friends.” Even then, people tried to recruit her into consulting roles. Her answer? A joyful no.

Instead, she and Chet enjoyed spending time together. Just for fun, they started an artisan soap business—an unexpected and delightful chapter that brought creativity, community, and a legacy she hopes her children will continue to grow.

But Judy’s current mission may be her most meaningful yet: she’s leading the charge to have a Navy destroyer named after her late husband.

Chet wasn't just a Navy veteran—he was a true American hero. From June 1966 to May 1967, he participated in 152 combat patrols during the Vietnam War, 45 of which came under direct enemy fire. Remarkably, none of the men under his command were killed. He was the second most highly decorated sailor in his unit, River Section 531, and one of the most decorated in the entire Brown Water Navy.

His awards include the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism, the Silver Star for risking his life to administer first aid and evacuate wounded Vietnamese soldiers under attack, and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a firefight. His decades of service reflected not just courage, but compassion and leadership under fire.

When her grandson Garrett, initially planted the idea that Chet needed to have a ship named after him, Judy couldn’t imagine tackling a project of this magnitude and the work it would entail. 

But while reenlisting Garret in Norfolk harbor last January, something shifted. He said, “Grandpa deserves this.” And suddenly, she knew— "I still had the fight in me.” She began the laborious process of gathering and compiling documents, testimonies, and historical records. She contacted former shipmates and commanding officers. She submitted the formal recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy.

Chet was a humble man and always said he didn’t need a ship named after him. Judy smiles and imagines him in heaven rolling his eyes and telling me, “You know I don’t need this, but if anyone can get this done, you can.”

The naming process is slow, and If successful, the destroyer would likely be named in 2026 and launched years later. Judy is determined to live long enough to stand at the christening ceremony, wearing her Navy uniform and honoring the man who meant everything to her.

She is the keeper of her husband’s story. The steward of his legacy. And she is not done yet.

“Somebody just has to tell his story. And that’s me.”

Judy Smith’s life is a breathtaking portrait of resilience, intellect, service, and enduring love. She has reinvented herself again and again, always grounded in integrity. And as she walks forward with strength and purpose, she continues to embody the very values she once served to protect.

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