11/02/2026
AMERICA 250 MILITARY MOWER GIVEAWAY — MEET ONE OF OUR FINALISTS!
Please join us in honoring U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant First Class Joey Smith! As part of America's 250th Anniversary, Right Choice Outdoor Products is recognizing extraordinary members of our local military community. We're honored to announce Joey Smith as one of our finalists!
Joey's story is one of dedication, sacrifice, faith, and a lifelong commitment to serving his country and the people around him.
A LIFE OF MILITARY SERVICE
Joey joined the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1983 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, beginning a remarkable military career that would span nearly four decades. He proudly served until his retirement in 2020 at the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).
Throughout his career, Joey answered his country's call on numerous occasions. In 1990, he deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Saber. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Joey was mobilized for Operation Safe Skies, serving as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the security detachment at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.
He deployed again in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and participated in disaster-relief missions following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
His distinguished military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal, among numerous others.
But beyond his military accomplishments, something else about Joey's story truly stood out to us.
A LEADER WHO INVESTED IN OTHERS
From 2002 until his retirement in 2020, Joey served as the Readiness NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade. For 18 years, he helped prepare, support, and mentor the men and women who answered the call to serve our country.
When we asked Joey what he was most proud of from his military career, he didn't point to his awards or deployments. He talked about the soldiers. Joey shared that one of his greatest joys was helping younger soldiers grow, both professionally and personally, and watching them achieve their goals. As he explained: "If I could help them find their path or encourage them as they go and to see them succeed is what brings me great pleasure."
SERVICE BEYOND THE UNIFORM
Joey's commitment to serving others extends far beyond his military career.
From 1994 to 2004, he served as a Reserve Deputy with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Today, he continues supporting the military community as a Military Construction Specialist for the State of Arkansas, helping maintain 16 National Guard armories and ensuring they're safe and ready for the soldiers who depend on them.
He's also a member of American Legion Post 27 in Fayetteville.
A LIFE OF FAITH AND FAMILY
Joey and his wife, Paige, have three adult children and three grandchildren. For the past 10 years, they've served as a deacons, investing their time in helping others and sharing their Christian faith.
Together, they've participated in three mission trips to Rwanda, Africa, sharing the Gospel and serving communities in need. One particularly meaningful experience was helping build a home for an elderly woman whose mud hut was collapsing around her.
Joey has also spent years serving at men's ministry events through Rogers Christian Church and Camp Siloam, encouraging and mentoring men from different backgrounds and walks of life.
Whether helping a soldier succeed, serving his community, building a home for someone in need, or encouraging another man in his faith, Joey continues looking for opportunities to invest in others.
WHY WE'RE HONORING JOEY
When we started this giveaway, we wanted to recognize individuals whose military service, sacrifice, character, and impact on others represent something truly worth celebrating.
Joey's life reflects those qualities beautifully. He served his country for nearly four decades, deployed overseas, helped protect our communities, and invested years mentoring soldiers. Today, he continues serving through his work, church, family, and community.
His story reminds us that great leadership isn't simply measured by the rank we achieve or the awards we receive, but by the lives we influence and the people we help along the way.
Joey, thank you for your sacrifice, your faithfulness, and your continued commitment to serving others. We're honored to recognize you as an America 250 Military Mower Giveaway finalist!
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Joey is one of a small group of finalists we're recognizing. On Veterans Day, November 11, our team will select one finalist to receive the limited-edition America 250 Bad Boy Tribute mower!
There's still time to nominate a deserving local military hero!
Nominations close November 6 at 11:59 PM Central.
Link: https://www.rightchoiceoutdoor.com/usa250
Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/77qJmEqhsl8?si=I2ZAZl2SBzokrXeR
Please join us in thanking Joey for his service and share his story as we continue honoring the extraordinary men and women who have served our country.
HONOR A HERO. SHARE THEIR STORY.