Captain
Alexander O’Neil Smith
1992 – 2019
Timberlane Class of 2010
United States Army
August 2019:
Nashville, TN: It is with incredibly deep sorrow, that we share the loss of our beloved Alex.
Alex will be sadly missed by many, especially his loving mother Rebecca S. (O’Neil) Smith and brother and best friend William M. Smith of Haverhill, MA. Alex greatly mentored William growing up, and as children, William idolized Alex for always being the great role model he was, and they shared a relationship of deep loyalty and love.
In addition, Alex is survived by his Father Michael L. Smith of West Palm Beach, FL, siblings Jacqueline P. Hanscom of Dover, NH, Michael Smith Jr. of Lebanon, ME, Michelle Smith of Dover, NH, Matthew Smith of Rochester, NH, Marc Smith of Rochester, NH, nephews Chad and Colby Hanscom and Jack O’Neil Smith. He also leaves behind his beloved Nana Sondra O. O’Neil of Haverhill, MA and several aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved bear “Mila”. Alex is predeceased by his maternal Grandfather Richard D. O’Neil and paternal Grandparents William and Claire Smith.
Alex grew up in Plaistow, NH attending Pollard School and Timberlane Middle and High School where he excelled both academically and athletically. In addition to his many Tornados football accomplishments, his wrestling accolades include a career record of 155 – 35, 3-time New Hampshire State Champion, 2-time New England place winner, 2010 NHSCA High School All-American – placing 7th in the country and a 2-time team captain.
Alex was a warrior on the mat against his opponents but had the highest respect and admiration for each one and maintained a continuous friendship with many. His grandfather, affectionately known as Bump, and Nana were his greatest champions. They were well recognized fixtures at all events always on the sidelines cheering both him and William to victory.
Alex went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and he considered his Army commission his greatest honor. There again he excelled on the wrestling team and in the classroom, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant, class of 2014. Following the academy, Alex attended flight school at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence at FT Rucker, AL and was selected to fly the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Upon graduation from flight school, Alex was assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he served as maintenance Platoon Leader, D Company, 1st Battalion. During this time, he was selected to assume the role of acting Company Commander in command of over 100 Soldiers. Alex then moved to A Company, 5th Battalion where he served as Flight Platoon Leader. While assigned to A Company, he deployed to Afghanistan from 2018-2019 as a member of Task Force No Mercy and flew over 75 combat missions in support of U.S. forces and NATO allies. Alex achieved the distinction of UH-60 Pilot-in-Command in an unprecedented amount of time. Alex then returned to first Battalion as Assistant Operations Officer in charge of the planning and execution of unit training events. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with C Device, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Army Aviation Badge and Air Assault Badge.
One of the most influential people in Alex’s life was his high school wrestling coach, Barry Chooljian, with whom he shared a special bond and mutual respect through the years. Alex exuded a natural confidence and irresistible radiance that affected all and Oh… That Smile.
Contributions in Alex’s name may be made to the West Point’s Alexander O’Neil Smith Memorial Scholarship fund: Alexander O’Neil Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund supporting a perpetual scholarship at Timberlane Regional High School.