
American Legion Riders Treasure Valley Is Proud to Host The Inaugural Frank Smith Memorial Ride

Frank Ford Smith
October 14th, 1945 – July 7th, 2023
Frank Ford Smith 78, Born 10/14/1945 to C.A Smith & June Edna Smith Passed away peacefully 07/07/2023 at his home. Frank was born Oct. 14 1945 in Colorado Springs, Co into a military family where he went on to live in numerous states across the United States as His Father was Lt. Col. In the United States Airforce. After the retirement of his dad in the military the Family resided in Lava Hot Springs, ID where he ended up spending most of his life and Graduated from Marsh Valley High School in Arimo, ID and met his wife Janet R Whitehead which later divorced. After High School he always had a passion for anything mechanical and proceeded to follow his Father’s footsteps and serve in the United States Airforce 1/10/1966 – 4/4/1968 as a combat engineer. After his service with Honorable Discharge He moved to Salt Lake City and eventually found his home in Ucon, ID. Frank was always from the day he was born into anything mechanical or technical, After moving to Ucon he was part business owner of Eagle Rock Business System’s as a cash register salesman/repairman later continuing on to I-Tec business System’s and finding a career as a I.T Specialist at Eastern Idaho Reginal Medical Hospital for 20+ years he continued on to form his own company C.V World LLC a computer and networking Co., As He grew older his passion for the Military and Veteran’s grew stronger. He became involved in all the Local Veteran’s organizations, Was President of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 972, as well as being on the State Council American Legion Post 56; He was founder/President of The American Legion Riders Association for the State of Idaho and current President of the Snake River Chapter. In 2015 He came up with an Idea to give back to his military brothers and sisters and organized Veteran’s Mobility Corp a service that gave mobility back to injured Vet’s by providing them electric power wheelchairs in his time he gave 378 chairs to Vet’s, individuals and children to give their mobility and Life back. Frank was always known for his hard work, his kindness, his dedication and his famous stories and Positive outlook on life there was nothing you could throw at him that he could not come back with a positive story or comment. He will be Gratefully Missed by Many. He is preceded in death to his father C.A Smith, his Mother June Smith, Brother Brian Smith, Sister Patty Carmen, Son Frank Smith IV and grandson Kasey Burgess. Survived by Daughter Tanya Smith Burgess, Son Brad Smith, Granddaughter Kodee k. Smith, Granddaughter Wendy Smith, Grandson Jayden E. Smith, Grandson Brendan D. Smith, Grandson Jeremy Burgess and 5 great grandchildren.


Frank F. Smith, Idaho Falls: Frank F. Smith is being honored with the 2017 Spirit of Freedom Award for his service to our nation and his ongoing service to fellow veterans. The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Idaho State Council nominated him for this recognition. Frank served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968 during the Vietnam War and earned a number of honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
Following his military service, Frank has worked in the Information Technology (IT) field. He worked for 16 years as IT Director for the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and he currently is a small business owner/operator providing IT and related computer services in Eastern Idaho and the surrounding area. Frank has also devoted considerable time over the past 14 years to serving fellow veterans. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion and VVA and currently serves as President of VVA-972, Idaho Falls Bob Taylor Memorial Chapter. Frank is a founding member of the Veterans Mobility Corporation and is currently its Vice-President. When nominating Frank for this award, Robert C. Seal described Frank as, “the primary driving force, 25 months ago, behind the incorporation of the Veterans Mobility Corporation (VMC), a 501 (c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing powered wheelchairs to Veterans or members of their immediate families at no charge. To date, the VMC has rebuilt and distributed over 160 Power Wheelchairs to Veterans, Spouses of Veterans, and Children of Veterans.” Frank has enabled the VMC to expand its reach to more in the veterans’ community. Frank also represents VVA Chapter 972 on the Idaho Falls Military Affairs Committee, assisting with meeting the needs of Eastern Idaho veterans. Frank demonstrates a deep sense of service and is an asset to the community, state and nation. Thank you, Frank, for your devoted service. It is an honor to recognize Frank Smith with the 2017 Spirit of Freedom Award.
