NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK MILITARY WOMEN BROOKLYN CHAPTER
NABMW Brooklyn Chapter Officers
President
Major (Ret) Deidre Darden attended Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, Bronx, New York where she obtained her Associates Degree, and continued her education attending the College of New Rochelle, Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN). Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of New Haven, Connecticut where she obtained a Masters of Science Degree in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management.
Major (Ret) Darden’s began her nursing career at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx on an Obstetrical Unit, then moved on to Woodhull Hospital in the OB/GYN clinic. She left this position for a supervisory nurse for Central Harlem Meals on Wheels Home Attendant Program in addition to working nights at Metropolitan Hospital. Several years later moved on to become Head Nurse at Jacobi Medical Center in the Home Care Department all under the umbrella of New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation.
In her next position she worked as a School Nurse for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene which led to a position at the Bronx District Public Health Office as a Supervising Nurse. Her last full-time employment she worked for the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).
Military - I decided to join the Army to learn how to cook. Silly me what did I know. The recruiter on Fordham Road became curious because I scored so high on the ASVAB. Upon learning that I had a nursing degree he put the Nurse Recruiter in touch with me. The recruiter along with the Chief Nurse came to Woodhull Hospital where I worked and I signed the necessary documents. I was sworn in on August 10, 1985 as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to the 74th Field Hospital, 2181 Loring Place, Bronx, New York. My first annual training was a TAMEX at Fort McCoy Wisconsin, ironically enough it was my last assignment. Basic training and Officer Advance Training were both completed in San Antonio Texas.
MAJ (Ret) Darden’s served as the OIC Pharmacy/Lab/Xray with the 74th Field Hospital She assisted with Field Sanitation during annual training and also serve as the weight control officer. Convoy commander and her most coveted position was Family Readiness Liaison all in addition o the Intermediate Care Ward of the Hospital. MAJ(Ret) Darden served with the 344th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) when the 74th Field Hospital was disbanded and traveled with the 344th to Wurzburg Germany as an Obstetrics Nurse.
In 1995 she transferred to the 91C School which eventually became the 91Whiskey Program (91W) out of Ft. Devens, in Ayer, MA. MAJ (Ret) states she has many lasting memories of her service to this nation and proudly retired as a Major September 8, 2018.
Major (Ret) Darden currently is a member in good standing of the National Council of Negro Women, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Reserve Officers Association, American Legion Post 002, VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Life Member, she volunteers at the Women in Military Service Memorial (WIMSA) Arlington National Cemetery and, lastly she is a proud founding member and currently holds the position of Vice President of NABMW Brooklyn Chapter.
On January14, 2023 Maj (Ret) Deidre Darden was elected as the Brooklyn Chapter President and elected as the Assistant Treasurer for the National Association of Black Military Women.
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Vice President
Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Annie L. Suggs a native of Farmville, North Carolina, and has resided in New York for more than 50 years. She enlisted as Private E1 into the US Army Reserve, 305th Engineer Detachment, Fort Totten, New York, on June 7, 1979. She attended Basic Training (BCT) at Company A, USA Reception Station, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Headquarters 2nd Battalion Troop Brigade, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Her Units of Assignment include 99th Signal Battalion, Company C, Brooklyn, New York, 408th AG Battalion Det.1, Fort Totten, New York, 943rd Replacement Company, Fort Totten, New York, deployed to Bosnia & Herzegovina for Operation Joint Endeavor, 1-309th 78th Division, Training Support Battalion, Fort Dix, New Jersey, mobilized for Enduring Freedom, 3rd Battalion, 391st Regiment, 7th Brigade (TS), 98th Division (IT), Fort Dix, New Jersey.
CSM Suggs' military education and major courses are as follows, Personnel Management, Personnel Administration, Combat Telecommunications, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (BNCOC), Advance Non-Commissioned Officer Course (ANCOC), ATTRS Basic Operation Course, Small Groups Instruction Training, Total Army Instructor Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, US Army Sergeants Major Course. Awarded primary and secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)75C, Personnel Management Specialist; 72E, Combat Telecommunications Center Operator; 74C, Records Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer, 75H/Z Personnel Sergeant; and 74Z50.
Her military awards and decorations are the Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (5OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), US ARMY Achievement Medal: Meritorious duty as Telecommunications Supervisor – 1992, US ARMY Commendation Medal: Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – 1993, US ARMY Commendation Medal: Meritorious Leadership, Professionalism, and Dedication to duty – 1997, NATO Medal: Service in the former Yugoslavia – 1997, US ARMY Achievement Medal: Exceptional Achievement as the Training NCO for the CAAP Preparation Inspection – 1998, US ARMY Operation Enduring Freedom MAT SGM – 2003-2004, US ARMY Certificate of Appointment Command Sergeant Major – 2004, and US ARMY Meritorious Service Medal – 2004 & 2007.
CSM Suggs is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeant Majors Academy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Nyack College and a Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary. She is a Doctor of Ministry Candidate at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Her dedication to service was not limited to the US Army; she also included the City of New York and its populace. In that spirit, CSM Suggs worked with New York Telephone Company and AT&T for 12 years. She ventured into the work arena with Metropolitan Transportation Authority NYCTA in 1990, hired as a Bus Operator; during this time, she received her first NYCTA HONOR after being selected and named one of the "5 Best Bus Operators for 1996- 1997". She would continue to become a Surface Line Dispatcher before moving into position as Superintendent and New York State 19A Certified Instructor, a post she would hold for eight years. In 2015 she was promoted to and was the first to hold the position of Director of Customer
Advocacy and ADA Compliance, serving as Liaison to the Chief Officer Customer Advocates Office. In this role, her responsibilities enable her to support the Department of Buses' effort to ensure internal and external customer experience, making it a key focus for company operations. Director Suggs' career with MTA NYCTA highlights a commitment of 26 years of service, retiring on May 1, 2017.
CSM Suggs joined the National Associates of Black Military Women, Brooklyn Chapter, in March 2019, is the Brooklyn Chapter Vice President, and serves as the National Chaplain. Her love and passion for sharing the "Good News & Love is for Everyone" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with doing community outreach through volunteer service, started at an early age. She is an Ordained & Licensed Interfaith Reverend in Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a Social Justice Ministry & One Spirit Interfaith Alliance Seminary. She serves with the Ecclesia Ministries – Marcus Garvey Park Street ministry and on the Housing Works, Inc. HealthCare Board of Directors.
CSM Suggs credits all her achievements to God. Through it all, her most crowning achievement blessed her to be the mother to her son, William M. Suggs, Sr., and his wife, Elizabeth, and grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren, William Jr., George, & Brianna.
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Secretary
Sergeant Major (Ret) Melissa Jones joined the US Army in 1990. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and Combat Medic school a Fort Sam Houston, Texas she was stationed at Fort Meade, MD. Melissa decided to obtain another MOS as an Animal Care Specialist and was transferred to the 64th Medical Detachment (Veterinary Services), Stuttgart Germany. In 1996, Melissa transitioned into the US Army Reserves and was a member of the 10/108th Medical Battalion, Gainesville, Florida.
Longing to be with family again, in 1998 Melissa returned to New York and held several positions in units around the tri-state area to include being a medic with the 7237th Medical Support Unit, a Senior Animal Care NCO, 4220th US Army Hospital, an Instructor/Writer, 98th Division (Institutional Training), First Sergeant, Headquarter and Headquarters Company, 8th Medical Brigade, an Operations NCO, 8th Medical Brigade, an Operations G37 Training SGM, 80th Training Command (TASS), North Chesterfield, VA and finally Training SGM with the 3D BDE, ATL DIV, 75TH TNG CMD, Fort Dix, NJ.
Throughout her time in the Reserves, Melissa mobilized to Stuttgart, Germany as a Senior Animal Care NCO and to Fort Sam Houston serving as an EMT instructor to deploying medics. Additionally, Melissa went on 2 humanitarian missions to Guyana and Honduras. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Melissa deployed in 2010 to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait serving as the NCOIC Current Operations for the 3rd MDSC OCP (FWD). During this deployment Melissa also oversaw the movement of all Veterinary personnel in theater and acted as a medical liaison taking trips to Iraq and Germany to transport patients.
Melissa’s numerous military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army
Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve Commendation Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/Star, Southwest Asia Campaign Medal w/ Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ Silver Hour Glass, M-Device, and #2, NCO Professional Development Ribbon #4, Army Service Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Expert Field Medical Badge, Driver’s Badge w/ Wheel and Mechanic Bars, Expert Rifleman’s Badge.
Melissa currently works for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General as a Senior Auditor. Melissa has a master’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Taxation and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. She is married and lives in Brooklyn, New York. Melissa devotes her time to her family, volunteering and loves to travel. She’s a founding member of the NABMW Brooklyn Chapter and is currently the Treasurer for the National NABMW organization and the Brooklyn chapter Secretary.
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Treasurer
MSG (Ret) Angela Roberts was born in Hollis, New York, October 8, 1961. She enlisted into the Active Army on September 29, 1981. In addition, she attended Basic Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Upon completion of training, she was awarded the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS 75D) Personnel Specialist.
MSG (R) Roberts served seven years honorable and discharge on May 22, 1988. In June 1996, she decided to go back into the Army. She enlisted for New York National Guard one year, Reserve for three years and continue with her career as Active Guard Reserve (AGR)-Active Duty in 2000.
MSG (R) Roberts during her career was awarded the MOS 42A58 in Human Resource. MSG (R) Roberts served 31 years in all facets of the Army Military Services. MSG (R) Roberts held many other positions to included Senior Instructor/Writer and EEO Representative. MSG (R) Roberts deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom. MSG Roberts retired February 1, 2015 and decided to stay in New York to be with her only son Anthony, siblings, and granddaughters Jada and Ava. April 15, 2015, MSG (R) Roberts continue with her career to work full time at the largest transportation in the United States, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Headquarter as Human Resource Information System-Operations Analyst. MTA has over 85,000 employees consisting of Long Island Railroad, New York City Transit Authority, Metro-North Railroad, MTA Police, MTA Bus, Capital Construction, SIROTA, & MaBSTOA.
MSG (R) Roberts’ served in the following assignment and positions: Regular Army Active Duty-Personnel Specialist HHD Fort Sheridan, IL (Recruiter Command), Headquarter Garrison, Wurzburg, Germany, Military Intelligent Command at Fort Huachuca, AZ. National Guard- Personnel Sgt in 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery, Jamaica, NY, Reserve Personnel Sergeant at the 310th Battalion Military Police, and 800th Military Police Brigade at Uniondale, NY. In 2000 MSG (R) Roberts was enlisted into Active Duty-AGR Personnel SGT at 344th Combat Support Hospital, In 2002 to the 77th Regional Readiness Command, Ft Totten, NY as Personnel SGT. Then assigned to 3rd Battalion 518th Regiment 108th Training Command Drill Sergeant, at Hickory, NC as Senior Human Resource Sergeant, First Sergeant position and EEO Representative for five commands, Army Training Command, Ft McCoy, WI as Senior Instructor/Writer, Army Reserve Training Command, Ft Knox, KY, Then deploy to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, NCOIC to the Secretary of General Staff Operational Command Post and MSG (R) Roberts final assignment with the 8th Medical Brigade, Staten Island, NY, NCOIC S1 Human Resource and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Representative.
MSG (R) Roberts received her Bachelor of Science Business Administration with concentration in Human Resource at Grantham University (2020). She received her Master of Science in Performance Improvement and graduated with Distinguished Honors (2022) at University of Arkansas Grantham. MSG (R) Roberts has attended the following military schools throughout her career including: Action Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, First Sergeant Course, ATTRS Operation Course, Company Trainer Course, Defense Basic Prevention Course, DTMS Master Trainer Course, Equal Opportunity Course, Human Resource Management Course, Management Development Course, Mobilization Movement Course, RC Unit Mobilization Planner Course, Reenlistment NCO Course, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Course-National Defense University, Training Management Course, Total Army Instructor Course, Unit Administration Basic Course, and Unit Trainer Course.
MSG (R) Roberts has been awarded the following military awards and decorations: LOM, MSM (3 OLC), ACOM (5 OLC), AAM (4 OLC), ARCOM (2 OLC), AGCM (6th Award), AFRM with “M” Device and 30 Years Gold Hourglass, ARCAM (2 OLC), NDSM (2nd Award), GWOTEM, GWOTSM, NCOPDR (3), OSR (2), and ASR, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge, Army Certificate of Achievement (2), Certificate of Retirement and Certificate of Appreciation.
MSG (R) Roberts joined the National Associates of Black Military Women (NABMW)-Brooklyn Chapter on September 24, 2017. In 2018 she joined along with her Sister- in- Arms Deborah Hunter-Smith as Chapter Co-Chairperson of the Membership Committee from 2018-2022. The organization is to tell her story and vision throughout one’s Military Career. Currently MSG (R) Roberts serves as Treasure for NABMW-Brooklyn Chapter.
MSG (R) Roberts is a member of MTA Veteran Employee Resource Group Board Member, Basic Webmaster for Transportation Communication Union-MTA, Fort Hamilton Retiree Councils, and MTA Black Enterprise Group Interaction Network (B.E.G.I.N). Currently enrolled in Six Sigma Yellow Belt (MTA).
MSG (R) Roberts beloved parents Bernice & Horace Brown, once told her never forget who you are and stay strong in your goals and believe in yourself. One of my many favorite scripture Psalm 29: 1-2 “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”. “Blessed and Highly Favored”!
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Historian
SFC Verná (pronounced Ver- nay) Martin is a 22-year retired Army Veteran who joined the military in 1979 at age 28. Verna` was very aggressive during her basic training due being told by her Senior Drill Sergeant (Henry Stokes) upon arrival, “You’re the Oldest Mother Fucker here.” This was after having an allergic reaction to the shot administered at the MAP Station and unable to participate in the duffle bag drag. She was therefore transported to her basic unit via truck with her arm in a sling.
From that day forward she proved ability not just to perform but to excel because of her age. She removed the sling and as they say “Push through the pain,” becoming Squad leader two days later finally reaching Platoon Sergeant. After graduation, there weren’t enough soldiers (7 were needed) to start an AIT Class (16 B Nike Hercules Missile), and she was told she’d be a holdover. This did not set well with Verna’ and replied saying, Ok, I’ll go home and you can call me when you have enough people.” Because of that threat, she was taken to see the Battalion Commander, LTC Poisener.
She repeated the same statement to him adding, “This is the Army, how can you tell a brand new solider that you can’t so something?” With that question another approach was taken. Since instructors had to be on site daily, they agreed to tutor PVT Martin along with one other male soldier. She was removed as Platoon Sergeant, placed in a private room within the same barracks because of the new schedule and was transported to and from class. She graduated with her class.
This aggression remained with her throughout her 22-year career. Two years after basic, she quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Sergeant in the field of Air Defense. This promotion led to her being drafted as a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Bliss, Texas. During her tour as a Drill Sergeant in Air Defense 1982-1984, she came across the same issue of not having enough soldiers to start an AIT class. Because of her great communication with soldiers, Cadre and the dining Facility, she asked her Senior Drill, if she could make it happen for her soldiers to have a class, would he agree to it? Permission was given, but she was told it was impossible. What they didn’t know is this was a repeat of 1979. She talked with the instructors, promised the dining facility two KP’s for the duration of this cycle, got a bus and driver from the motor pool and her student graduated with their class. Verna` always believed in explaining her behavior and her logic behind her actions to her soldiers who respected and protected her. She was considered and slave driver but loved.
During this cycle because NIKE Hercules was being phased out, there was to be a live firing of the Missile at McGregor Range. SGT Martin was told her soldiers would have KP and work around the barracks. She asked since the soldiers would never experience working on the missile, could they go see the live firing? She was told if she could make it happen. She used the same procedure when there weren't enough students and got with the instructors changed the training schedule, a vehicle, and bag lunches allowing her soldiers to witness the last firing of the Nike Hercules Missile.
Upon completion of her assignment, she became a Language Instructor teaching basic English to the Ft. Bliss Foreign Allied students.
Her performance as a drill sergeant, caught the eye of the newly designated Commandant for the Primary Leadership Academy resulting in her selection as an instructor at the academy in Landstuhl, Germany. (Note: Verna` never attended PLDC and when it was discovered she had not attended, the discussion was sending her to another Kaserne. That discusion was shut down once she explained it wouldn’t be fair because she knew the answers to all the quizzes. After all she was an instructor).
Verná excelled reaching SFC by 1987 holding all required leadership positions from Squad Leader to Platoon Sergeant, along with acting as both 1SG (First Sergeant) and Rear Detachment Sergeant Major during Gulf War/ Desert Storm. Her assignments have been at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Darmstadt, Germany; and Fort Bliss, Texas where she retired in June 2001.
After retiring she left Texas for New Jersey then New York where she became a caretaker for her uncle and aunt in addition to working as a counselor at New Era Veterans an SRO (Single Residence Occupancy) in the Bronx, NY for homeless Veterans.
Verná is the Inventor of “The Wheelchair Cover.” A devise used to provide protection for wheelchair users while in inclement weather. The device was patented in 2015.
Verná is on the Board for Vets Chat and Chew in New Jersey. A six (6) week program created for Active Military, Veterans, and family members, who work along side a professional chef and nutritionist. Participants are taught how to prepare simple meals using no more than 6-8 ingredients. Studies have shown, eating healthy helps with anxiety, depression and better sleep for those dealing with PTSD. Participants leave each session with a $20 Stipend and a bag of groceries with all the ingredients used to duplicate the meal at home.
She is a Summa Com Laude graduate from Mercy College with a Bachor's Degree of Science, a life member of the Somerville, NJ DAV (Disabled American Veterans), and a proud member of NABMW- Brooklyn and Historian for the chapter.
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Chaplain
Jean Sandiford Pickering was born in Guyana, South America where she grew up and finished 12th grade. At the age of 20, she migrated to the USA to fulfill her dream of academic and financial advancement.
Her first college degree was in 1977 when she graduated with an AAS in Nursing from Medgar Evers College, New York. She excelled academically and was valedictorian of her class. In 1980 she relocated to Houston, Texas where she earned a B.S/Nursing in 1984 with Magna Cum Laude distinction. While attending full-time classes, Ms Pickering worked a s a Registered Professional Nurse in both New York and Houston where she gained Recognition as a Health Advocate, nurse leader and mentor. She inspired many young men and women to not only aspire to their full academic potential, but to follow her footsteps into a profession of caring for humanity during the challenges of illness and the promotion of health.
The further pursuit of academic excellence spurred Ms Pickering on to earn
a Women’s Nurse Practitioner and M.S/Nursing Science both Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Downstate University, Brooklyn.
In her career, she worked at several inpatient and out patient facilities in positions which include but we’re not limited to roles as RN staff nurse, patient advocate, Nurse leader and professional union representative. In 1994, she moved on to practice as a Nurse Practitioner and Clinic Administrator until her retirement in 2015. Her dynamic, strong, confident personality gained her recognition in the Health Care arena and among her peers as a knowledgeable, compassionate, effective and dependable practitioner. In 1995 Ms Pickering was named a lifetime member of Empire’s Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals.
She is currently a member of the Board of the APC Community Organization whose purpose is to give back to not only needy Community members but annual Medical Missions to underdeveloped countries.
In 1987, Major Pickering was commissioned as a Second Lt to the US Army
Nurse Corp. She rendered dedicated service as an Officer. Through the years she served both as a reservist and for 2 years on active duty in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. Duties included Unit strategy planning, Section leader, OB/GYN Instructor for Military EMT’s/Advisor for pregnant soldiers. In her role as a mentor,
She established herself as the “go to” Officer and never shied away from assuming
a leadership role in crisis. In 2005, Major Pickering was deployed to Ambreze in Angola West Africa as an OB/GYN Advisor during a Joint Military Task Force. She was instrumental in establishing several medical clinics and training local doctors and Nurses in the use of modern Medical equipment. During her military career, she
was awarded the Army Achievement Medal x 3, Army Commendation Medal x 2,
and several meritorious certificates. Major Pickering views her military service
for 21 years as one of her greatest achievements.
Major( Retired) Pickering is extremely honored and humbled to be one of the recipients
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Membership Chairperson
Sergeant (Retired) Deborah Hunter-Smith was born in New York on September 26, 1963. SGT Hunter-Smith graduated in 1986 from Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management, she also received a certificate in Business Administration.
In 1986, she transferred to City College where she began her master’s degree in special education. During the same year, she received her teaching confirmation from NYC Department of Education and began working as a Substitute Para-Professional in the NYC Public Schools System. The following year 1987, she began working for the NYC Department of Correction with the title of Work Release Supervisor. She was responsible for seeking out incarcerated men with a sentence of one year or less to work outside the jail setting. SGT Hunter-Smith organized companies looking to employ these men for salary. Sgt Hunter-Smith also sought out drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers to allow the men to attend meeting and maintain their sobriety while out in society. SGT Hunter-Smith background in education afforded her the opportunity to change jobs within the department to become full-time Para-Professional inside the adolescent Facility and the Correctional Institution for Men. Sgt Hunter-Smith taught all subjects instructed, prepared, and tutored inmates for their GED. Deborah worked after her shift in NYC Public Housing (Polo Grounds) tutoring middle and high school students who required extra instructions.
In May 1990, SGT Hunter-Smith become a NYC Correction Officer. She worked in several facilities at NYC Correction Facility on Rikers Island located in East Elmhurst, NY. She was assigned to care, custody, and control of Inmates from low to high classification housed in cells and dormitories. Special Skills and Certifications included, but not limited to the following: Methane Monitoring/Trainer Methane Monitoring, Asbestos Testing/Monitoring, HAZMAT Certified, Fire Response Training/Certified, Firearms Licensed and Qualified (On/Off Duty). SGT Hunter-Smith retired from the New York City Department of Corrections (NYCDOC) August 2014 after serving 24 years of duty.
SGT Hunter-Smith enlisted in the Army Reserve November 1991 under the split option program. She attended Basic Training in March 1992 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon graduation she attended Advanced Individual Training (AOT) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas where she received the MOS 91B Combat Field Medic. Her first duty assignment was the 808th Station Hospital, Uniondale, NY. Later she received two more MOS (Food Inspector and Personnel Records Specialist). She was then assigned to several other units to include 356th Field Army Hospital, 8th Medical Brigade, 4220th US Army Hospital, 344th US Army Hospital, NYC Recruiting Battalion, 301st Intimation Operations Battalion, 151st Theatre Information Operations Group. SGT (R) Hunter-Smith has been awarded the following military awards and decorations: Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medals (2), Oversea Service Training Ribbons (3), and Army Achievement Medals (4).
SGT (R) Hunter-Smith retired from the Army Reserves, August 2015 after 23 years of service as a Veteran. She still has a desire to serve which leads to her service with the Fort Hamilton Retiree Council in Brooklyn, NY. She joined the council in 2015 and was elected Assistant Secretary through 2017 and nominated Secretary 2018-2021. She currently serves as 2nd Vice Chairman since January 2021.
SGT (R) Hunter-Smith joined the National Association Black Military Women (NABMW)-Brooklyn Chapter in 2017, she became Membership Chairperson in 2018-2022. She served in this position along with Co-Chairperson MSG (R) Angela Roberts. This organization of sisterhood has become another outlet to allow her to serve in helping female veterans by giving a voice to their sisters as well. We strive to inform, educate, and support all veterans organizations. As we recruit members, we ensure the choice is well thought out and the decision to become a member is to give and promote positive unity. We have members who have no military background, in addition they want to assist in our mission-these are “Associates”. Currently SGT (R) Hunter-Smith serves as Assistant Treasurer for NABMW-Brooklyn Chapter.
SGT (R) Hunter-Smith is also a member of the Joseph P. Dwyer Women’s Veteran Support Group. The mission of the Support group is to create a community of Women who have served and continue to serve within the United States Armed Forces. The group fosters comradeship and communication advocating for services to assist women service members and veterans. The women in this group support, encourage and empower one another; building strong relationship bonds through activities similar to the way the women developed bonds during military training. Empowerment is a core value of the group and also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporate.
SGT (R) Hunter-Smith is a member of Bedford Central Presbyterian Church. Dr. Clive E. Neil, Sr., a pastor. The church is located in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the Pantry Ministry where food and personal items are provided to the community. She is also responsible for delivering to the elderly, sick, and shut in and, provides assistance with church programs. On February 6, 2022, Deborah was installed and ordained as a Deaconess. This assignment has placed her exactly where she has a love and passion-to serve others. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Deborah also serves in the Women Ministry and Health Ministry.
SGT (R) Hunter-Smith beloved parents, Willie C. Moore (Deceased) and Madeline Moore is where she was taught at an early age to trust God and all will be given onto to you! SGT (R) Hunter-Smith is married to her wonderful husband Warren Smith they reside in Brooklyn, NY. They have two adult sons Shawn and Scott. SGT (R) Hunter-Smith has four sisters, three brothers, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. In addition, she has five amazing godchildren that keep her busy. Deborah’s love for family is indescribable! This love stretches far and wide throughout her church and military family. In addition, SGT (R) Hunter-Smith graduated July 19, 2023 with her certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) from Columbia University in New York City. Deborah’s passion to serve others is her greatest gift from God!
