This week’s Q&A participant hails from Houston, TX. Derrick Smith and his family moved to Salem two years ago and have no plans of moving anytime soon. The Vice President of the Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club regularly speaks on how generous and kind local residents here are.
What’s the history with you and the City of Salem?
My family and I moved here in mid August of 2015 from Houston, TX. I happen to have family that live in the Blue Ridge area. As a boy, I spent my summers in this area. The lack of work in my industry caused us to move. At that time I was a CNC machinist in the oil industry and price of oil per barrel fell below $40, which really hurt the economy there. We chose the Salem because they have really good schools for our children.
Talk about your education background. Where did you go to school?
I went to high school in Hobbs, New Mexico, and graduated in 2001. During my senior year, I was in the jobs program that allowed me to spend half a day at work. During that year, I was working for Rust Tractor that was a Caterpillar dealership. Soon after graduation I moved to Houston to work for Mustang Tractor, another CAT Dealer and attended trade school for Caterpillar. I got my basic certifications for heavy machinery repair. hydraulics, diesel engines and power train. I was tired of tractors, bulldozers, and dump trucks not too long after that so I decided to go to work in the automotive field. I started at those smaller family ran places doing engine work, before moving into the office as a manager. At some point I still wasn’t happy with my career opportunities. I wanted more technical difficulties to keep me interested. Through connections with my wife’s family. I ended up becoming a machinist, which I’ve been doing for over a decade now.
How did you end up becoming the Vice President of the Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club?
While I lived in Texas I was a member of a few RC clubs. Houston is a large populated area and these clubs were easily double the size of ours here. After moving here to Salem I naturally went to join the Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club. Soon after getting established with the club, members saw how motivated I was and asked me to run as Vice President. After thinking about it for a little bit, I decided to do so. Being part of the organization and flying my model aircrafts has been a very pleasant experience.
What are some things you like to do in Salem?
Well besides fly my models, the City of Salem is a beautiful place. We often go for rides and pick out roads we haven’t explored yet. Remember we are still somewhat new to the area. These mountains have such beauty. My family really enjoys to go out to eat as well. Salem has many wonderful restaurants. Downtown Salem is a great place to walk around and explore.
What are some books you’ve read that you would recommend to others?
I’m not much for books, but I like several Tom Clancy novels. I also enjoy nonfictional documentaries of military history.
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
When I was a child, I always said NASA Engineer when people asked what I wanted to do when I grow up. About six years after becoming a CNC machinist, I was working for an aerospace company which I can’t disclose the name for security reasons. I did have the greatest opportunity to make a few items that was bound for space! Some of them today are still in the I.S.S ‘International Space Station’.
How can people learn more about the Roanoke Valley Radio Club?
We have a monthly meeting. It’s the first Monday of every month at our clubhouse. Open to all guest. We also have a website www.rvrc.org or and Facebook page for people to learn more information.
What motivates you?
My wife and my children are my number one motivation. My love for them is the fuel for everything that I do. I try to make sure that I’m the father and husband that they deserve. Spending quality time with them is more important than my career or hobbies.
What does an average week look like for you?
Weekdays are pretty crazy for me. The first thing I do in the morning is wake up and tend to the children, We also have six chickens, two dogs and two cats. After all of that stuff, it’s off to work for me. I’m currently working at Mechanical Development as a CNC machinist. My wife Jamie works for Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Christiansburg, VA. As the day ends it’s off to the daycare to pick up the kids, and then help them with homework. Wake up and repeat the same thing Monday through Friday! The weekends are when I usually get to enjoy some flying time.
If you could go back and give an 18-year-old Derrick some advice, what would you say?
I would most likely try to talk myself into a pilots career or joining a branch of service. I regret not serving our country.
-Compiled by Shawn Nowlin