FORT STEWART, Ga. - An inside look of the Army Values of leadership and selfless service are taken into perspective as one Dog Face Soldier volunteers his spare time to coach community youth the sport of playing basketball.
First lieutenant Lawrence Smith, maintenance control officer, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, coaches Scott’s All Star team. Scott’s All Star is a youth-based basketball team that practices in the Liberty County area and travels the distance when there is a game.
“I actually started [coaching] a couple of years ago when I was a drill sergeant in Maryland,” 1st Lt. Smith said. “I went through the YMCA, and I became certified as a coach there. I’ve been coaching for about five years now; it’s just something that I like to do.”
First lieutenant Smith has 19 years of active duty service. Fifteen of those years were as an enlisted Soldier and four as an officer. During the day, he executes maintenance reports for the Third Infantry Division and during the night, he teaches youth to shoot hoops. He played basketball during his high school years and considers himself a big basketball fan.
He began volunteering as a coach in the Liberty County area after meeting with the president of Scott’s All Star Marcus Scott. He shared with Scott his interest in coaching youth basketball, and explained he may not always be available due to his work schedule, that he would be able to volunteer whenever he was available.
“He has helped us out. Initially, he was the assistant coach for the 7th grade team that his son played on,” said Scott. “But, when the other coach could not volunteer anymore, [1st Lt. Smith] stepped up and became the head coach. Without him, it would have been hard to have this program.”
First Lieutenant Smith also coaches basketball to his son who is a member of the Scott’s All Star team and his 16-year-old daughter. He states that he enjoys teaching the youth basketball; it is his passion.
“I feel great being around the kids,” he said. “Just seeing the enjoyment they have playing the game brings joy to their faces. There are some times where I have to be tough with them, but it’s all in learning and having fun with the kids.”
For youth to be part of the Scott’s All Star team, they must maintain a grade average of 80, in which 1st Lt. Smith also assists the youth with studying for statewide exams and holds study sessions.
“Basketball is not the only focus of [1st Lt. Smith],” said Scott. “He’s focused on academic achievement [as well].”
First lieutenant Smith shares his insight about the Army Values of selfless service and leadership.
“It is about putting others before myself,” he said. “In the military, we have to the think about the Army’s big mission, not just “what’s in it for me.” By going above and beyond, by helping others, it is like being selfless in its own way.”
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