CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

The 48th Annual Bethlehem Detachment 284 Marine Corps League Mess Night will honor Gold Star Mother Nancy Smith as the Citizen of the Year at its annual “Mess Night” event March 29.

The event will be held at West Coplay Meannerchor, 3326 N. Ruch St., Whitehall.

There is a cost for tickets. The event will include a silent auction.

Doors open 5 p.m.

Those attending the event area asked to wear MCL or military uniform or business suit or business casual attire.

The Citizen of the Year for Bethlehem Detachment 284 MCL is Nancy Smith, a Gold Star Mother and honorary member of Detachment 284 of the Marine Corp League.

She has been an integral part of the veteran’s community in the Lehigh Valley for more than five years.

In her capacity as a community ambassador for barbecue restaurant Mission BBQ, Whitehall, she has touched the lives of hundreds of veterans. It is her mission to bring donated meals to veteran-related activities and organizations around the Lehigh Valley. She has delivered donated meals to 20 to 25 separate organizations and met hundreds of veterans in the process. Her service is always accompanied by her unfailing smile, enthusiasm and concern for the veterans she serves.

Smith has been actively involved with the community for many years. She has supported the Patriot Guard, the Belleau Wood Chapter of Leatherneck Nation, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, veteran-related events at DeSales University, the Bethlehem Detachment 284 of the Marine Corps League, Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and Honorary First Defenders.

Smith also has provided donated meals to Bethlehem, Fullerton, Hokey, Palmer and other American Legions and to the Egypt, Macungie and other VFWs.

She has also supported the Fleet Reserve, Tails of Valor and the Veterans Brotherhood.

She and her husband, Brian Smith, lost their son, Joshua, to PTSD after he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Nancy and Brian have been married 42 years. Nancy and Brian are a Gold Star Family. Nancy also is a Gold Star Family liaison for Mission BBQ. In that capacity she travels around the country unveiling the Gold Star Mother’s wall at Mission BBQ locations around the country.

In 2023, Nancy was granted Honorary Membership in Detachment 284 of the Marine Corps League.

A “Mess Night” is a traditional military dinner designed to raise money for worthy causes.