US Congressman Joe Wilson presents an American flag to Chris Crumbo (reporter from The Other Paper who was embedded with Smith's team). From left to right are Smith, John Durst (president of the Columbia Rotary Club), Tom Persons, Chris Crumbo, and Wilson. S.C. State Representative James Smith spoke to the Columbia Rotary Club Monday about his U.S. Army Reserve active duty with the 218 Infantry Brigade, S.C. Army National Guard, in Afghanistan during the past year. During his service, he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Smith and his nineman Team Viper served with Coalition Forces in northern Afghanistan. They worked as embedded tactical forces training and mentoring the Afghan Army and Police.

During 18 months they were able to capture a major Taliban officer, stop Taliban attacks on public buses along the only paved road in the area, and work with the local people to build schools. Lt. Smith believes that, as a result of the brigades' efforts, the Afghan people are safer and more secure.