HELENA, MT, USA U.S. Army PV2, TROOP A, 3D SQUADRON, 89TH CAVALRY, 4 BCT, FORT POLK, LA BAGHDAD, IRAQ 12/13/2007
Daren A. Smith was a cool-headed, honest guy who loved to get dirty and wrestle with friends. He liked old tunes with U2 and Rammstein, but was also into the newest alternative music CD or gaming video. He had a passion for movies, and hoped to become a film producer.
Daren was born on Groundhog’s Day, February 2, 1988, in Butte, Montana. His family moved from Butte to Helena in 2000, and he attended Helena Middle School and Helena High School, graduating in June of 2006. He attended one semester at the University of Montana, College of Technology, before deciding to enlist in the military.
He enjoyed being a soldier, and recommended at least two years for everyone. His awards and decorations included the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. He chose to be a cavalry scout because he was disciplined and knew he couple pick up and move quickly. He enjoyed the traveling a lot, and one of his dreams was to visit the Emerald Isle. This dream was fulfilled, if only for a moment, when the plane carrying him to his post in Kuwait touched down on soil in Ireland. Daren hoped to eventually attend college near Fort Drum, NY, to continue his education in film production. Of course, this choice of schools was motivated in part by his passion for the Buffalo Bills. He planned to attend all of their games.
Army Private Daren Smith was honored by hundreds who lined the streets of Helena on December 21, 2007, the day he was laid to rest at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A riderless horse followed the hearse, a silent testament to Daren’s training with the 5-15 Cavalry Warlords. Four balloons, a red one, a white one, a blue one and a star-shaped green one, drifted into the skies.
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