This year’s Irishman of the Year is not a native buckeye, but was born in southern California, within the city limits of Los Angeles. His dad was raised by first generation Irish parents in the New England area, in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and his mother, who had Swedish roots, was born in Minnesota. They met in California during World War II, were married, and Steve was the first of two children. Sometimes referred to as the “land of the fruits and the nuts”, he certainly did not fit that stereotypical mold of most Californians. He spent most of his growing up years near the many beaches in the Golden State, and that accounts for his love of the water and the sea. Steve played varsity football and baseball in high school. To his parents’ dismay, Steve had a desire to go to college away from home, and to serve his country like his Irish father (who served in the US Navy in World War II). He enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at SMU, deep in the heart of Texas. He earned his commission as a new Second Lieutenant in the mid 1970’s, and following graduation with an Electronics Engineering degree, his first assignment was Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. He admits he did not know where Dayton (much less Ohio) was on the map, but he found out soon enough. He fulfilled his commitment, and stayed at the base as a civilian employee for the rest of his 34-year career. He worked as a software engineer involved with many of the aircraft that the Air Force has built over the years: the B-1B bomber, the F-117 Stealth fighter, the F-22 fighter, and most recently, the F-35 fighter (referred to as the Joint Strike Fighter in the media). However, Steve wanted more than a career; he wanted to belong to organizations he believed in. For 30+ years he has been a member of Toastmasters International, a public speaking group that improves communication and leadership qualities, something in which Steve needed improvement. He recently received the “Distinguished Toastmaster” award, the highest honor Toastmasters offers. He has given over 50 speeches, started a new toastmasters club in the area, and led a leadership project (it just so happens the project was our latest Reverse Raffle held last November). Also, applying his communications skills, he has fulfilled a childhood dream to be a radio broadcaster. Since 1993, Steve has been a volunteer broadcaster with WYSO, a local public radio station. He hosted a nighttime jazz show for a couple years, and currently co-hosts a live, call-in trivia game show.

All these accomplishments led up to a decision Steve made in March 2004. He stumbled upon an opportunity to belong to a fraternal organization that promoted one’s Irish heritage. After all, celebrating one’s legacy is indeed an honorable journey. He saw that the Ancient Order of Hibernians was the ideal group to get involved in. After joining, getting involved he did. After nine months, Steve was elected JFK Division President, where he served honorably for the term of one year. After that, a year or so later, he was elected Recording Secretary, an office he still holds. Steve strives to keep the meeting minutes lively with his keen grasp of the English language. In addition, he maintains a roster of all the active Hibernians in our division. To add to his already busy workload, Steve was appointed Treasurer of the Home Corporation, which oversees the day-to-day operation of the Hibernian meeting hall in Beavercreek. He immediately transferred the Home Corporation’s bank accounts to a financial institution that offered online bill paying, which saved the AOH costs of mailing bills in by “snail mail”. He helped install the operating system on the new office computer. All in all, Steve has tried to improve operations of the Order, while still volunteering to do what has to be done. He has been happily married over 29 years to his wife, Susan Thoma. They have two children, a boy and girl. This year’s Irishman of the Year was a “no-brainer”. It is my pleasure to congratulate the 2009 winner, Steve Smith.