ROME — In his 24 years serving in the Army, Richard A. Smith, CW4 USA Retired, learned that a deeper faith in God was needed to help get through the difficult challenges — not only of a soldier, but of life.

Instead of questioning his attitude toward his faith, Smith said those difficult situations during deployment were moments he realized he couldn’t “camouflage” his faith once his strength was tested.

Smith shares his spiritual journey as a soldier in his new book, “Camouflaged Christian: A Warrior for Christ: The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20.”

Keaton & Lloyd Bookshop, 236 W. Dominick St., will host a book launch and signing event for Smith from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

Smith grew up in Rome, marrying his high school sweetheart, Teri. Both attended the Rome Salvation Army Church, where they met as children. They had three children, Lindsey, Brian and Dustin, and due to the death of son Dustin, they are raising three of their grandchildren, Amerie, Elodie and Maisy. They have a total of nine grandchildren.

One week after graduating from Rome Free Academy, Smith said he left for the Army, where he would spend the next 24 years serving in numerous assignments and deployments.

“Whether you are a career serviceman or woman, or serving for a term, you and your family face many hardships that meet you head-on,” Smith explained. “Your mental, spiritual, and physical state will be challenged, and you will incur many difficulties that you must overcome. Some of the challenges also come from the communities and countries you serve in.”

While serving, Smith said a soldier’s faith in God may be questioned and their attitude toward faith could be compromised by a myriad of difficult situations. From withstanding the 110-degrees of Somalia to assisting victims of Hurricane Andrew in Florida, this is when one must draw strength from God to let his light shine and emanate from you, he said.

“Others’ lives may depend on you and by letting your faith shine, you have an opportunity to bring others into the family of God,” said Smith.

“Your service is not a time to camouflage your faith. In fact, it is a great opportunity to use this worldwide platform to show that your Christian faith does not need to be camouflaged and concealed. No, it is a time to let God have control and lead you in your successful career and show others, through your Christ-centered life, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life,” Smith adds.

Through his book, Smith takes readers on a journey through the Armor of God in Ephesians 6 and utilizes the scriptures to help others understand the armor and weapons you must wear and take up to defend your faith and Jesus Christ.

Following his retirement after 24 years in the U.S. Army, Rich and Teri attended seminary at the College for Officer Training in Suffern, Rockland County (The Salvation Army), where they were ordained as pastors.

The couple served as pastors for churches in Pittsfield, Mass., Lowell, Mass. and Rome. After seven years they decided to stay home, and became members at the Rome Alliance Church where Smith became the pastor for several years and was ordained by the Christian and Missionary Alliance. 

Smith has a bachelor’s of science degree in Social Structure, Social Theory, Social Change from SUNY Empire State College, and is also a graduate of the College for Officer Training in pastoral ministries-Salvation Army.

Wife Teri is also the owner/operator of Cottage Hill Daycare, and is a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In “Camouflaged Christian: A Warrior for Christ: The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20,” Smith shares much of what he experienced throughout his military career, as well as his personal life and how he drew strength from the scriptures, prayer, and fellow Christians throughout his career.

His prayer is that readers utilize his book to be encouraged and to be proud of their faith.