Balancing Military Service and Brotherhood
Few members of our fraternity embody the principle of dual service quite like Brother Brian Smith. At 51 years old, Brian is not only a dedicated Freemason of nearly two decades but also an active-duty member of the United States Air Force. Currently operating in Kuwait and Qatar, he proves that neither distance nor duty can diminish the bonds of brotherhood.
A Masonic Journey Beginning in 2005
Brian’s Masonic journey began in 2005 when he was initiated into the Craft at Bay View Lodge #120 in Niantic, Connecticut. He achieved the degree of Master Mason on November 21, 2005, marking the start of his tenure in the Craft. In the years since, he has proudly accumulated 19 years of membership and counting. He is also a long-time member of Egypt Shriners in Tampa, Florida, where he served for five years as both President and officer of the Keystone Kops Club. Early in his Masonic life, Brian’s career with the Air Force often meant moving around, but he remained committed to Masonry and the lessons learned in the lodge room.
In 2008, a new chapter opened in Brian’s Masonic path. That year, he affiliated with Major General Henry Knox Lodge in Boston, a Massachusetts lodge known for its strong military heritage. Joining Major General Henry Knox Lodge, named after the Revolutionary War hero, was a natural fit for Brian. It allowed him to connect with fellow military brethren who understood the challenges of serving both country and craft. Today, Brian remains a proud member of Henry Knox Lodge, which is part of Massachusetts Freemasonry's Second Masonic District. By affiliating there, he found a Masonic home base that would support him throughout his deployments and relocations.
Serving His Country with Values
Professionally, Brian has built an impressive career in the U.S. Air Force. He is an active-duty Air Force veteran with decades of service to his country. (In fact, the term "veteran" hardly does justice to his ongoing commitment, he continues to serve actively.) Over the years, he has balanced the demands of military life with the tenets of Freemasonry. The discipline, integrity, and camaraderie instilled in him by his time in the Air Force strongly align with the core values of our fraternity.
Despite the challenges of military duty: long hours, relocations, and times away from family, Brian has managed to remain grounded. We know the teachings of the Craft, such as fortitude and moral integrity, have continued to inspire him through deployments and helped him forge new friendships wherever he’s been stationed. We see in Brian an example of how Masonic principles can positively influence one’s professional life. In both uniforms, military and Masonic, Brother Smith exemplifies leadership, honor and service.
Brotherhood Across Distance
Brother Smith stays actively engaged with his Massachusetts brethren, demonstrating that physical distance is no barrier to Masonic brotherhood. Living in Tampa, FL, he remains in contact with the Brethren. In fact, just this week, Brian was opening and replying to emails from us, from afar, ensuring he's never “out of the loop” with the Brethren back home.
Through his example, Brother Brian Smith highlights that commitment to the Craft transcends geography. Once a brother, always a brother, no matter where duty calls.
A Life of Dual Dedication
At the time of publication, Brother Smith is currently deployed as Director of Operations for the 386th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (386 EAES), based out of Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. His squadron operates across Kuwait and Qatar and is tasked with transporting patients throughout the Area of Responsibility (AOR) using aircraft such as the C-130 and C-17. These missions support the transfer of patients from field hospitals to higher levels of care, including locations in Germany and the United States.
In his own words:
“Here is a picture of me with America’s best getting it done over here! I'm looking forward to some pizza and beers over a Pats game when I return. These folks get it done! My job is to help them be successful.”
When stateside, Brother Smith is assigned to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL, where he serves as the Operations Support Flight Commander for the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, part of the 927th Air Refueling Wing.
After nearly 20 years in the Craft and over two decades in military service, Brother Smith continues to represent our core values of faith, hope, and charity. His commitment to his team, to his country, and to the fraternity shows that leadership is not just about titles, it’s about showing up for others, every day.
Massachusetts Freemasonry proudly honors Brother Brian S. Smith for his continued service and for the strength, humility, and compassion he brings to both the Craft and the line of duty.
Brother Brian Smith’s journey illustrates that the paths of military service and Freemasonry can reinforce one another, creating a well-rounded life of service, honor, and camaraderie. If you happen to meet Brother Smith (whether in person or virtually), be sure to thank him for his service and hear some of his stories from both the lodge room and the field. He is a living example of the strength of our fraternity, near or far.
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