Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
January 23, 2023
Orting — The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Smith as the Administrator of the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting. Smith assumed responsibility of the Soldiers Home on December 19, 2022.
Smith is passionate about caring for those who served and for as long as he can remember, he has had a high regard for the military and veterans alike. Smith is actively pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at The Pennsylvania State University and in his spare time he enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife and two children.
As a nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves for 12 years, Smith cultivated his devotion to caring for veterans and their families. As a civilian, he previously worked in a Federal VA Accredited Long-Term Care Facility for more than 20 years and has performed almost every job a skilled nursing home has to offer.
“We are so pleased that Dan has decided to join our WDVA family and support our mission of providing the best possible care for our honored veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting,” said WDVA Deputy Director David Puente, Jr. “Dan is deeply committed to this Home, our residents, and the staff who care for them, and we look forward to many positive contributions under his leadership.”
Smith’s desire to be a Nursing home Administrator was fostered by his knowledge in long-term care and helping underserved populations. His experience will bring great value to the Washington Soldiers Home and the Orting Community.
“With care and compassion for those who served it is my mission to create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis,” said Smith.
“I believe their dedication to this country and the sacrifices they have made gives all Veterans an inherent right to receive the highest level of care.”
The Washington Soldiers Home is located on 174 acres in the beautiful Puyallup Valley near Orting. Established in 1891, this was the first of four homes built for Washington state veterans. Additional information and applications for admission to the Washington Soldiers Home can be found at www.dva.wa.gov.
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Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 791-8966
heidia@dva.wa.gov