A legacy of dedication

BY MICHELE WIERNICKI

FAMILY & MWR MARKETING

There are people in your life that come and go. Some are memorable, but then there are those who make an impact on people, the ones who enrich and enhance your life and provide perspective. Terri Smythe was one of those people.

Terri dedicated her life to environmental passions. Her career was proof of this dedication. Terri worked at the Texas Water Foundation, as the Director of Keep Austin Beautiful, she worked alongside President George Bush and Laura Bush on “Keep Texas Beautiful.” She came to Fort Bliss in 2010 settled into the Quality Recycling Program (QRP) as the manager.

During her time with the QRP, she developed the Recycle Hero campaign and the Military Unit Grand Recycling Challenge.

She was a huge advocate for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programming and through the QRP, she was able to successfully fund MWR projects, such as the $1M Soto Turf Multipurpose Field, the $1M Biggs Park Splash Pad, $125K HyperBowling at Desert Strike Lanes, $120K Dynopack Chassis at Auto Crafts, $25K spin bikes and many others.

Sadly, we unexpectedly lost Terri last October. However, her legacy lives on and to honor her, there is a bench and tree that were dedicated on her birthday, April 4.

It is strategically located right next to one of her biggest MWR accomplishments, the Biggs Park Splash Pad. We hope that maybe Terri can enjoy the view from her bench and watch all the enjoyment and fun she has brought to the children and Families of Fort Bliss.