By Pete Scherer

On January 21, 2020, Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smithers was found dead in his barracks. A 19 year old native of Lubbock Texas, the young man had aspirations of serving the U.S. Military since childhood and hoped to ultimately join the 82nd Airborne Division. Unfortunately, these dreams would be cut short by his tragic death.

The exact circumstances surrounding Smither’s demise are mired in uncertainty. The Army Criminal Investigation Division cites bacterial meningitis. However, eyewitness accounts from Smithers’ platoon mention a head injury after which he began to experience intense headaches and nausea in the week leading up to his death.

Regardless of the cause, it is certain that negligence played a key factor in this incident. According to an article by the Fayetteville Observer, various members of Smithers’ platoon had been asked to check up on their ailing comrade as he recovered in the barracks. One specialist reported to investigators that he had checked in on Smithers on January 19th, only to later admit he lied. By the time he actually got around to paying a visit on the 21st, Smithers had already passed away. In a similar incident a Corporal claimed to have checked in via phone call but was unable to back up his claim with evidence.

On January 20th, Smithers’ roommate began noticing a foul stench hanging around the common area. Despite using Febreze, the odor only got worse. The following day Smithers was discovered dead in his by the Specialist who used a passkey to get inside.

Today Heather Baker, Smithers’ mother, has been working with Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other servicemen. On May 22, 2024 the House Armed Services Committee passed FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation includes two amendments designed to address the issue of negligence.

The first amendment requires the US Army to keep Congress up to date on efforts to enforce the “Smitty Check protocol”. In the aftermath of Smithers’ death, the Army has begun implementing updated policies to ensure that injured soldiers are being properly monitored.
The second amendment will require the Department of Defense to disclose whether a soldier has received treatment from a DoD or civilian doctor.

“The ‘Smitty Check’ is going to save lives,” said Baker. “And at the forefront, that’s what it’s all about, is accountability and justice, making sure that you are checking on your people, you know?”

While the “Smitty Check” applies to active duty folks, what can you, our MilTRAC readers do to help others like him during any form of transition?

Sometimes, we don’t recognize people like Caleb Smithers who need a visit and intervention from others. So, please share with us how you think military professionals in transition can support others in physical and mental health needs with your own buddy checks.