Capt. Tyler Smith

Executive Officer
194th Wing

Q: What do you feel are the greatest benefits to working for WMD?
A: First and foremost, you get to be a part of a team that helps our community and nation when it needs us most. Second, coming from the corporate world, I can say that the work/life balance is far better.  Rarely do I have to work more than 40 hours a week and I get three days off every week to spend with my family. Additionally, the military has taken me to places around the globe that I would have otherwise never visited. These experiences have taught me a lot about different cultures and reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a prosperous nation. Lastly, the WMD just feels like family to me.  Turnover amongst corporate employees is far greater, whereas employees of the WMD tend to stick around much longer which gives people the ability to form deep lasting relationships.

Q: How do you and your team members embrace new challenges and opportunities?
A: The world is moving at a faster pace than it ever has. This brings a number of challenges and opportunities that our organization has to tackle. To be successful, everyone on our team has to have an open mind about change. This is critical because it requires a unified effort when embarking on journeys you've never been on before. Additionally, I think it helps to remember why we're here, and that our citizens absolutely need us to take on challenges and opportunities head-on to ensure we're ready for whatever faces us in the future.

Q: What's your greatest accomplishment here at work?
A: In 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in a humanitarian mission where I led a team of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. We provided free health care to over 7000 underprivileged citizens of Kauai, Hawaii. Not only did this team have a huge impact on the people of Kauai, but this mission provided excellent training in somewhat austere conditions for hundreds of DoD medical professionals

Q: If you were to tell one person "Thank You" for helping you become the person you are today, who would it be and what did they do?
A: I'd have to thank my parents for not only the invaluable lessons about how to lead a successful life, but for the way they modeled these lessons daily. This made believing what they had to say so easy because I was able to see firsthand the fruits of their efforts. 

Q: What's the best advice you've ever received (at work or otherwise)?
A: Continually identify ways to add value to whatever it is you're doing.  This could be your family, a team you're a part of, or the organization you work for.  If you can find ways to add value, you'll leave this world better off than you found it.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you live by?
A: "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration." -Tom Edison

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