Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United States Major General Tammy Smith transitioned from a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army Reserve to an advocate for veteran rights and LGBTQ+ equality, sharing insights on leadership and authenticity.
Retired Army Major General Tammy Smith served in the Army for 35 years. In her final role, she was Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army.
Tammy Smith is a retired Army Major General. At the conclusion of her 35-year career she served at the Pentagon as the Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). Blue Star Families campaign, United Military Families Campaign.
Tammy Smith has worn her passion for leadership, character and agriculture on her sleeve. Discussion about women in FFA.
Tammy Smith was born in Oakland, Oregon, in 1963. After graduating from high school, she initially planned to become an agricultural journalist, but a scholarship opportunity led her to the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). She enrolled at the University of Oregon in 1982. During her freshman year, Smith realized she was gay, a fact she had to conceal due to the prevailing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prohibited openly non-heterosexual individuals from serving in the military. Her ROTC scholarship was crucial for her college education, compelling her to prioritize her career while keeping her personal life private. After graduating from college, Smith was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps, specializing in logistics.
Smith’s early military assignments included serving as a platoon leader in the 193rd Support Battalion at Fort Clayton, Panama, and commanding the Logistic Support Detachment of Task Force 36 in Camino De La Paz, Costa Rica. In 1996, she transitioned to the Army Reserve, where she held roles such as mobilization planner and secretary to the General Staff of the 99th Regional Readiness Command. She also served on the Army Staff and as an operations officer at the Pentagon. In 2010, Smith deployed to Afghanistan as the Chief of Army Reserve Affairs at Bagram Air Force Base, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in September 2011 marked a significant turning point in her career and personal life.
Following her return to the U.S., Smith married Tracey Hepner in March 2012. In May 2012, she was promoted to brigadier general, becoming the Army’s first openly gay general officer in military history in August of that year. Her spouse, Tracey Hepner, pinned one of her stars during the promotion ceremony. Smith continued her service, including commanding the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training) at Fort Benning, Georgia, and serving as deputy commanding general sustainment in the Eighth Army, Yongsan, South Korea. She retired in June 2021 as a major general, having been confirmed to the rank in July 2016. Post-retirement, Smith and her wife have actively engaged in veteran rights events.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
