Beyond the Battlefield: Coccaro Smith’s Mission to Reach Lexington’s Youth One Student at a Time

To many, Veterans Day is simply a marked date on the calendar—a long weekend, a series of retail promotions, or a casual greeting exchanged in passing. But when you look beyond the surface and speak to those who have worn the uniform, you quickly realize that for veterans like Coccaro “Smitty” Smith, Veterans Day means everything. It is not merely a memory of past duty; it is a sacred reflection on transformation, sacrifice, faith, brotherhood, and a lifelong commitment to service that continues long after the uniform is laid to rest.

From "Plan Z" to the Crucible of Service

Joining the military was never Coccaro Smith’s initial ambition; in his own words, it was "Plan Z." Before the army became his path, he worked as a forklift driver at Kimberly-Clark. While driving a forklift provided an honest living, Smith felt a deep, quiet realization stirring within him every single day: there was simply more to life than the daily grind of that warehouse floor. He wanted purpose, growth, and a direction that extended far beyond his immediate horizon.

Stepping into basic training was the first major crucible of that transformation. Smith directly notes that military training "was not for the weak." He describes the raw intensity and spiritual endurance required during those initial weeks as being "close to God." Between the grueling physical demands, terrible mess hall food, and the rigid discipline, every phase tested a recruit's resolve. He vividly recalls navigating the training cycles—from the initial adjustments to the dreaded "red phase," which stood out as the toughest and most punishing leg of basic training. Yet, in those intense conditions, soldiers adapted. Smith and his fellow recruits relied on the simplest human anchors to stay grounded: they worked out endlessly to maintain peak physical fitness, they rapped, they slept when they could, and above all, they prayed.

Faith, Brotherhood, and the Screaming Eagles

It was during Advanced Individual Training (AIT)—the specialized school where soldiers learn their technical trade—that Smith formed one of the most pivotal relationships of his life. There, he met a fellow soldier named Terrence Hardwell. Smith admits with a grin that he didn't like Mr. Hardwell at first because Hardwell was unmistakably loud. But over time, that same loud personality revealed a profound spiritual strength. Hardwell was unapologetic and proud of his faith, making sure Smith truly knew the Lord as a man of God should. Hardwell became a guiding light during his military journey, and looking back, Smith remains deeply grateful that their paths crossed.

Following his training, Smith was assigned to the legendary 101st Airborne Division—the famed "Screaming Eagles" based out of Fort Campbell. Serving alongside infantrymen, grunts, and supply specialists, Smith earned the nickname "S-1 Smitty." As an administrative and organizational anchor, S-1 Smitty became known across the unit as the man who kept everything running. Whether it was crucial paperwork, essential supplies, or personal support, if the guys needed something done, Smitty always knew how to make it happen. "The Screaming Eagle made me a different specialist," Smith reflects, acknowledging how the elite division forged his character, sharp discipline, and unwavering work ethic.

That discipline was ultimately put to the ultimate test when Smith deployed overseas to serve in Afghanistan. Standing on foreign soil, facing the harsh realities of wartime deployment, he learned the true weight of selflessness and sacrifice.

Bringing the Lessons Home to Lexington

When asked if looking back on his military service feels worth it, Smith answers with a resonant "Yes." While he was once lost, God provided him with the structure, strength, and faith needed to keep pushing forward. He took immense pride in sacrificing for his family and country, supported every step of the way by his mother and dedicated friends.

However, what makes Coccaro Smith’s journey truly extraordinary is what he chose to do after his service ended. While many veterans transition into corporate careers or private sector roles, Smith made it a point to bring his journey full circle. He returned home to his community to teach, mentor, and shape the next generation at Lexington Senior High School as a media teacher.

In the classroom, Smith seamlessly weaves his military experience into his teaching philosophy through the principle of muscle memory. He knows that when instruction is delivered clearly, with care, and reinforced through structured repetition, students absorb and master new skills naturally. His overarching mission as an educator isn't just about cover curriculum—it is to reach kids one student at a time, no matter what it takes.

That commitment to the youth of Lexington extends far beyond the final school bell:

On the Sidelines: During Friday night football games, you can find Mr. Smith working on the sidelines, capturing the action and supporting the student-athletes.

On the Basketball Court: As winter arrives, he shifts gears to coach the Lexington Middle School boys basketball team, instilling discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship into young players.

Community Leadership: Whether holding a camera or holding a clipboard, he is constantly present in the community, pushing young people to strive for excellence every single day.

To today's youth, Smith delivers a reassuring message: the military is nothing to be afraid of, encouraging young people to talk to him openly because "the military is what you make it."

Thank you for your service Mr. Smith, Happy Veteran's Day!

Thomas Martin Sr