Veteran Honored for Decades of Local Service

FOX31 has named retired Air Force veteran Maury Smith as its September 2026 Hero of the Month.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Military

A folded American flag resting on a stone pedestal in an expansive mountain cemetery during the afternoon. — Retired Air Force veteran Maury Smith was honored this month for his 25 years of service conducting final honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maury Smith, who served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, received the Hero of the Month award for his commitment to the local veteran community. He has dedicated 25 years to performing final funeral honors for thousands of fallen service members.

Why it matters

Smith's volunteer work ensures that veterans receive proper recognition and support long after their active service concludes. His efforts reflect the ongoing necessity for community-based support systems for those who have served in the military.

Smith served 23 years in the Air Force and flew over 130 combat missions in Vietnam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has contributed 22,000 hours of volunteer time through the Veterans Administration.

The players

Maury Smith

A retired U.S. Air Force veteran who flew over 130 combat missions during the Vietnam War and received a Distinguished Flying Cross.

All Veterans Honor Guard

A volunteer organization that conducts military funeral honors for veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Veterans Administration

A federal agency that provides services and benefits to military veterans.

The details

After his retirement from the Air Force, Smith sought ways to remain engaged by contacting a retirement office at Buckley Air Force Base. He has spent the last 25 years with the All Veterans Honor Guard, conducting funeral services for nearly 3,000 veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Smith flew combat missions during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s.
He has volunteered with the All Veterans Honor Guard from 2001 through 2026.
Smith was named Hero of the Month in September 2026.

Political Context

While military funeral honors are mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, volunteer organizations often fill gaps in scheduling and staffing requirements. Some advocacy groups argue that relying on volunteers places an undue burden on aging veterans rather than expanding permanent, compensated funeral details.

Residents of Denver can engage with local veteran support initiatives by contacting organizations like the All Veterans Honor Guard for volunteer opportunities. The dedication of individuals like Smith maintains the standards of respect expected at local sites like Fort Logan National Cemetery.

The takeaway

Volunteers like Smith provide a critical human element to military funeral services that formal government programs may not fully capture. Community members can contribute to this legacy by supporting local veterans organizations or assisting with honors programs in their area.