From Mike Schinstock (Ex Payson IHC SUPT) and his family…..

For more than 35 years, Greg Smith has dedicated his life to serving others — as a military veteran, a wildland firefighter, and one of the longest-serving Hotshot Superintendents in the country.

Three years ago, Greg went beyond the call of duty. He donated one of his kidneys to save the life of a close friend and fellow Hotshot Superintendent.

Now Greg is facing a life-threatening medical challenge of his own. He needs triple-bypass heart surgery, and this time, he’s the one who needs our help.

Throughout his life Greg Smith has been the kind of man and leader that others have known they can count on. He is a veteran, a long time Wildland Firefighter….very long time….and probably the longest serving Hotshot Superintendent in Wildland Firefighting history. First as Globes Superintendent in 2000 followed by Ironwood than Jackson and finally Aravaipa Hotshots at Fort Huachuca AZ. The average Hotshot career is three years, Greg has been at it for over 35 years!

Greg has always put his crew and his friends before himself. Greg has lived his life sleeping in the dirt, sucking smoke, working in the steepest most inhospitable terrain this country has to offer. He has been away from his family and loved ones over half of every one of those 35 years. Greg has literally given everything he has for his crew, for the Wildland Firefighting Community, to his family and to his friends.

Now Greg needs our support as he will be undergoing lifesaving triple by-pass heart surgery. We are establishing this Go-Fund-Me account to help Greg and his family with all the bills that are going to start rolling in. Travel, lodging, additional medical expenses and so many other needs that will certainly arise. Whether you served with Greg in the military or fought fire alongside him and his Crews or simply believe in supporting people who have dedicated their lives and their careers to helping others, we ask you to consider helping.

"For 35 years, Greg answered the call. Now it's our turn."