Master Sgt. Diane Smith doesn’t talk much about her line of work in the military. She doesn’t need to – her actions speak for themselves.
Smith, who has been a member of the Wyoming Army National Guard for 26 years, is known for positively contributing to Wyoming communities and the state at large. She served in the 67th Army Band for 22 years, the Joint Forces Headquarters Joint Staff for four years, and simultaneously, as a budget administrator for the counterdrug program for 17. Most recently, in July 2015, Smith took over as coordinator for the Wyoming National Guard Counterdrug Program.
Saturday, on behalf of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Smith was awarded as an Outstanding Contributor to Law Enforcement at the annual Wyoming Military Department’s Governor’s Reception, for her tireless efforts in support of Wyoming law enforcement.
“Master Sgt. Smith has demonstrated unmatched dedication and support to Wyoming law enforcement. Under her leadership, the counterdrug support program has soared to a previously unattained level,” said Steve Woodson, director of the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Smith, who contends receiving the award was only possible due to the results of an amazing team effort, works along with 11 criminal intelligence analysts assigned and detailed throughout Wyoming, directly supporting local, state and federal law enforcement by combating the manufacturing, importing and distribution of illicit drugs through various interdiction methods.
“The success of this program is due to a team effort displayed by the analysts working for the program. I will confidently tell anyone that I have the best soldiers and airmen on my staff. My state leadership is extremely supportive of the program as well, as they trust me to lead this crew due to my years of experience here,” Smith said.
Last year, the program supported 10 agencies while responding to 20 requests, resulting in more than $61.5 million in drug seizures and more than $919,000 in non-drug seizures.
“Master Sgt. Smith has taken a great program and run with it. Her willingness to communicate continuously with the law enforcement agencies that counterdrug partners with, as well as her ability, then, to understand and to respond by providing critical support to meet the LEA’s needs, specifically, has resulted, absolutely, in safer communities for Wyoming citizens. Counterdrug’s anti-drug efforts, under Master Sgt. Smith’s leadership, has increased the LEA’s seizures by more than 31 times the previous year’s amounts,” said 1st Sgt. Katherine Zwiefel, senior intelligence analyst for Wyoming’s counterdrug program and 11-year program veteran.
The award was made possible due to a collaborative effort among local law enforcement agencies, partnering with the Wyoming National Guard, to better the lives and livelihood for those in the communities and state that they care so much about.
“For all of us working the counterdrug mission, it is rewarding to know that our efforts directly impact our communities, our state, and our nation. We are proud to collaborate with law enforcement and provide assistance in their drug investigations,” said Smith.
Although Smith doesn’t talk much about the partnerships and positive results that are due to the efforts of counterdrug analysts and several law enforcement agencies, she knows that with each partnership, mission and day of work, they are making a tangible difference.
“The counterdrug program has worked hard to provide quality products and support to the agencies we partner with. We have built strong relationships based on the hard work and dedication to our mission,” she said.