Caleb Grant “Smitty” Smither

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Lubbock, TX

Branch of Service: United States Army

Rank: Pvt. 2nd Class

Private Second Class Caleb Smither was very excited to be a part of the Army’s 82nd Airborne. He graduated Basic and AIT training in early October of 2019 and received both the Iron Soldier and Leadership awards. He earned his Airborne Wings mid-November of the same year. Smither was found dead in his barracks after receiving a head injury.

Caleb was both a gifted athlete and a natural born leader. He had earned awards in both track and field, and football, and inspired his many friends and school peers to reach higher in overcoming obstacles and challenges. He was devoted to serving his community at church and at home.

Caleb came from a long line of veterans that he never got to meet. His grandfather served in WWII and fought in the Battle of The Bulge with the 101st Airborne Division. His great uncle was also with the 101st and made the D-Day invasion as a paratrooper. One uncle was with the U.S. Airforce’s 19th Air Commando Squadron in Vietnam, and another served in the Marines during Desert Shield.

Age: 19

Date of Death: January 21, 2020