Timothy Smith – Affton alum, Army veteran and business man – was recognized at the Affton versus Bayless varsity boys basketball game at Affton High School, 8309 MacKenzie Road, on Dec. 13.

Community members from around the St. Louis area were encouraged to attend the game. Many of Smith’s friends and family members came to show their support. 

During the honoring portion of the game, Smith spoke of his experience in the military and at Affton High School. He was given an Affton basketball jersey and a basketball, and took photos with both the boys and girls Affton basketball teams, as well the Bayless boys basketball team. 

After graduating from Affton High School in 1997, Smith joined the U.S. Army. He did a tour in Iraq in 2004, later leaving the military in 2007 to come back to St. Louis to further his education and find a job. 

Though Smith left the military in 2007, his body is still feeling the effects of his time in the service. In 2016, Smith was diagnosed with lung cancer, caused by his close proximity to burn pits while overseas. 

During the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. military used burn pits to dispose of waste – from trash and wood to medical and human waste – despite concerns over potential health impacts from toxic smoke and pollution. 

Since his first diagnosis, Smith has beaten cancer three times. This year, however, it came back, spreading to other parts of his body. 

Making the most of the time he has left, Smith recently completed and published his first book, “A Patriot’s American Dream.” Copies of the book were available for purchase at the game. “A Patriot’s American Dream” can also be found at https://publishingconceptsllc.com/product/a-patriots-american-dream/. 

For those wanting to help Smith’s family with medical bills, a gofundme page has been set up. It can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-timothy-smith-and-family. 

Smith started Patriot Commercial Cleaning, a cleaning business that specifically hires veterans and family members of veterans, in 2011. He also owns a roofing company called Patriot Industries.