Painting the War
William “Bill” Smock dedicated nearly four decades to service in the Indiana National Guard, entering on September 1, 1971, and retiring on his 60th birthday in 2009.
His military journey spanned from enlisting as a Private (E1), rising to Sergeant (E5), and later commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School in 1976. Smock’s career progressed to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Field Artillery before a unique opportunity arose in 2004. At the request of the Adjutant General, he transitioned from Lieutenant Colonel to Chief Warrant Officer 2 to serve as a targeting warrant officer, deploying to Iraq in both 2005 and 2008. During those deployments, he contributed critical skills, from operating advanced radar systems with E (TAB) 139 Field Artillery to managing hazardous material yards for the Army, all while overcoming personal challenges, such as requiring hearing aids to serve alongside his battalion.
Beyond his military duties, Smock found solace and connection through art, creating nearly 110 paintings while in Iraq. His schedule alternated between the demanding responsibilities of night shifts and operational duties to daylight hours dedicated to painting, often displaying his works in the FOB Marez dining facility for fellow soldiers to enjoy. Smock’s paintings, captured in a military video titled “Painting the War,” became a source of comfort and inspiration to those around him. Today, one of his works remains on display at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, serving as a lasting reminder of the creativity and resilience a soldier can bring to times of great challenge.