Michael "Mike" Smith
Michael "Mike" Smith
Operations
U.S. Army
West Rockport, ME
Cushing, ME
Law Enforcement Officer and Corrections Officer training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and the Maine State Prison
I have also taught unarmed self-defense classes at the Maine State Prison
In 2022, a friend approached a group of associates and me at Walmart and asked if we would get involved with Honor Flight by hauling wheelchairs back and forth to the Portland Jetport for the trips. We took turns doing it, and when it was my turn, I arrived at the Jetport extra early to pick the chairs up after homecoming.
That early arrival changed everything for me.
It gave me time to witness the festivities, the energy, and the emotion of an event that truly changed my life. I was so moved by what I saw that I began asking around about how I could get more involved. My friend, Cindy Rumery Taylor, told me I should sign up to be a volunteer guardian so I could serve as a backup in case of a last-minute cancellation. I signed up right away.
Eventually, when some logistical issues came up with Walmart over the trailer moves, I decided to continue hauling the wheelchairs on my own. The second year wasn’t very busy for me—I wasn’t needed much at first. But by the end of the season, everything changed. An old dispatcher of mine from my police days called and basically told me, “Hold on, we’re really going to need you.” And they did.
I’ve been hauling the wheelchairs ever since, and I’ve now been on several trips as a volunteer guardian. I love being involved more and more with every trip. It’s a great feeling serving those who served us.
Being a Freemason, I continue to learn the joy of not having to walk my journey through life alone. I’m becoming more comfortable asking for help when I need it, and I’ve discovered that serving others is where I find the greatest purpose and fulfillment. I love helping in any way I can.
During my time driving for Walmart, I became a mentor to many new drivers and eventually served as captain of the mentor team. In that role, I stayed motivated by helping others stay motivated. I also volunteered as captain of the Walmart Heart Team—the group that first got me involved hauling the wheelchair trailer. Through the Heart Team, we sponsored children and adults facing serious illnesses, disabilities, and even terminal diagnoses. We made them honorary Walmart truck drivers with uniforms, IDs, events held in their honor, and gifts that brought smiles and joy. The idea was simple: even if only for a few hours, we could help them and their families focus on something other than the hardships they faced every day. The friendships formed were lifelong in many cases, and heartbreakingly short in others. It is incredibly sad to attend a child’s funeral—but deeply rewarding to know that in their time with us, they never felt alone.
I feel the same way about the veterans we take to Washington, D.C. I’ve stayed in touch with the veterans I’ve had the privilege to accompany. The gratitude goes both ways. I’m just grateful to help however I can, and even more grateful for the people I meet and the friendships that continue long after the trip ends.
One of my favorite memories from a trip last fall happened right after a very emotional visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The veteran I was accompanying, Paul, had just located his battle buddy’s name on the Wall and the conversation he shared with a fellow veteran on the trip there was absolutely gut-wrenching. As we walked away, Paul was understandably overwhelmed.
Throughout the trip, Paul and the other veteran had formed a bond. Wherever we went, you could count on seeing them together, sharing laughs and swapping stories.
When we reached the Vietnam Nurses Memorial just down the path, I noticed Paul’s buddy sitting on a nearby bench. I encouraged Paul to go sit with him. I’m only 55 and never served in combat, so in that moment I felt grateful just to watch these two men—bound by experience, age, and memory—support each other in a way only they could.
They sat there for nearly half an hour, laughing, crying, and laughing again. It was powerful and healing. And I was deeply honored just to witness it.