CWO3 Brandon Andrew Smith

Brandon Andrew Smith

December 10, 1977 – November 23, 2015

Brandon Smith of Grand Junction, Colorado passed away on November 23, 2015 after a helicopter crash during a training mission, he was 37.

Brandon was born on December 10, 1977 in Phoenix, Arizona to Linda Monniere. He spent his childhood in Grand Junction, Colorado and after graduating high school he attended college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and was pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautics.

Brandon had previously lived in Kentucky, Alabama and Korea. He enjoyed scuba diving and snowboarding.

A distinguished military career, he entered the service of his country from 1995-1996 in the United States Army Reserve and entered active duty on June 1996 as a Cavalry Scout. He was a drill sergeant from 2002-2006 when he finished up his enlisted career as a Sergeant First Class. In April of 2006, he became a warrant officer and an apache pilot. His final rank was Chief Warrant Officer 3. A highly decorated officer, his decorations and medals include, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, Air Assault Badge, Army Aviator Badge and Drill Sergeant Identification Badge.

Brandon leaves behind his mother; Linda Monniere; a sister, Athena Thiessen, both of Grand Junction, CO., his former spouse and friend , Maja Smith, maternal grandparents, Don and Florence Monniere of Moab, Utah and a host of friends and comrades.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 7, 2015 at Martin Mortuary. A committal service with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.

Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.martinmortuary.com.