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  Majors Robert and Metta Smith |
After long and varied careers, Majors Robert and Metta Smith have entered honored retirement.
Born in Compton, Calif., Robert was commissioned with the Soldiers of Christ Session in 1962. Metta Brown was born in Grand Island, Neb., and held several positions with The Salvation Army before entering the School for Officers Training and being commissioned in 1960 with the Great Hearts Session. While stationed in Compton as corps assistant she met her future husband. They were married in 1963 at the Redondo Beach, Calif., Corps.
They left the work for five years and Robert served as a firefighter. This training was well used, as he served as a volunteer firefighter in Caldwell, Idaho and North Bend, Ore. after they re-entered officership in 1969. At one time he also was Disaster Service Coordinator for major floods and fires in Southern California.
The Smiths held appointments in California, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington.
In Redondo Beach, he supervised construction of the new corps building and Roland Mindeman Senior Residence, and conducted and completed the capital campaign to raise $2,400,000.
Smith is a 35-year Legion of Honor Member in Kiwanis and was named Kiwanian of the Year 1990 in Roseburg, Ore.
Metta has served as a leader in Women’s Ministry, Youth, Christian Education, and Music. She has also worked in the accounting and finance departments, and has held several civic club memberships.
Majors Bob and Metta have four grown children: Michelle, Carrie, Robert Jr., and Robyn. In retirement the Smiths will live at 132 Peggy Ave., Roseburg OR 97470.
