Tennessee Honor Vote
Schmitt, Mr Joseph Peter
Branch: Navy
Rank: Chief Petty Officer
Years of Service:
03-27-1986 - 07-01-2018
Served onboard Submarines, a Coastal Riverine Tactical Combat Craft Coxswain, with the Seabees, ran Medical and Behavioral Clinics. Serving in Scotland, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and GTMO, Cuba. Volunteered at a recruiting office off hours to get at risk teens to join the Navy instead of joining gangs in California, six combat tours, one of the leaders/participants in the Smyrna, TN Blue Angels crash recovery of Capt. Jeff Kuss and his plane directly saved three lives while in service. Had a 13-year break in service and rejoined after 9/11 and was retired after 23-years, as a result of injuries obtained during service, to include service-connected injuries due to an IED blast in Afghanistan. Made the public aware nationwide the suicide of John Toombs at the Murfreesboro VA on Nov. 23, 2016, who he encouraged to seek help at the VA and made the public aware of the struggles Veterans go through everyday getting care at the VA. He was instrumental in the creation of the bill, which was voted in as the Veteran's Administration Accountability Act 2017. He now continues his service, to his community as a State Fire Marshal Plans Examiner. Ensuring the safety and security of Tennesseans, as well as their children coming first and foremost every time he reviews plans for public buildings, daycares, schools, etc...
Honored by
Stephanie Schmitt
White House, TN