Herschel Smith running for Georgia House 138 seat

AMERICUS — Herschel Smith, a retired naval officer and airline captain from Americus, has announced his candidacy for the District 138 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives.

District 138 includes Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley and Sumter counties.

Smith, a native of Americus and a Republican, has a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and has master’s degrees in telecommunication systems, international relations, and national security and strategic studies. He retired from the Navy after 25 years of service and then spent 21 years as a pilot for Southwest Airlines.

Smith and his wife have two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren. He is a member of First United Methodist Church and is the secretary and program chairman of the Americus Kiwanis Club. He is also a member of the Sumter County Development Authority, Sumter Solar Initiative, Sons of the American Revolution, Sumter Cycling, Sumter Historic Trust, Georgia Conservancy and Flint Riverkeeper.

Smith also serves on the U.S. Second Congressional District Service Academy Selection Board.

Jennifer Parks