Dale E. Smith was elected as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California in June 2016. Throughout the years, Smith has served the Veterans of Foreign Wars in the following capacities: Post Quartermaster (8 years), Post Jr. Vice Commander, Post Commander (2 Years) District 1 Jr. Vice, Sr. Vice, and Commander. He has also served on various committees and was State Membership Chairman for 2 years, Post Chaplain (2 Years), and currently serves as Post Judge Advocate.

After graduating from Frewsburg Central School in 1965, Smith enlisted in the United States Navy’s delayed entry program on March 2, 1966. He attended recruit training at Great Lakes III in June 1966 and was assigned to Basic Submarine School in New London, Connecticut where he graduated in November 1966. Upon graduation, Smith was assigned to the USS Skate (SSN-578) where he remained until March 1970. While onboard, he attended Fleet Sonar School in Key West Florida and became a Sonarman.

His various duty stations included USS Skate, USS Silversides (SSN-679), USS Gurnard (SSN-662), USS Guitarro (SSN-665) where he was assigned as Chief of the Boat, Fleet Sonar School Key West Fl, Naval Submarine School SSEP New London, Connecticut, Fleet ASW School San Diego, Submarine Squadron Three San Diego, and Naval Sea Support Center San Diego as Command Master Chief.

Throughout his career, Smith earned the following decorations: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal and several other ships awards.

Upon retirement, after 26 years serving the Navy, Smith purchased a small business for the repair and service of Laser Printers and Copies and remanufacturing of toner cartridges. Smith now owns and operated a beef cattle ranch in Ramona California and is actively involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 in Ramona, California.

He is married to the former Marla Gideon. They have four children, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He is a Gold Legacy Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Life Member of the Submarine Veterans Association, Life Member of American Legion and member of Santa Maria Masonic Lodge 580.