America 250 | The Spirit of Service Dinner

Overview

As part of our nation’s America 250 celebration, we invite the community to join us for a dinner and program on Thursday, June 4th, featuring a moderated discussion with Medal of Honor Recipient Dwight Birdwell and the Honorable Tori Smith, Judge – Hamilton County General Sessions Court.

A member of the Cherokee Nation, MOH Recipient Birdwell’s life and career reflect a sustained spirit of service—from serving in the military to advancing justice as an attorney. Learn more about MOH Recipient Birdwell’s actions in Vietnam, his journey to the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation, and how the six core values embodied by the Medal of Honor can serve to guide our nation’s next 250 years.

Event Schedule

5pm–6pm | Cocktail Hour

6pm–8pm | Dinner & Program

Tickets

Purchase your America 250 | The Spirit of Service Dinner tickets online. (*Seats are limited.) This event will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. For all questions or inquiries, please call the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at 423-877-2525 (ext. 105) or email Maranda Wilkinson (Maranda@mohhc.org).

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

BIOs

Dwight W. Birdwell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was born in Amarillo, Texas, in January 1948. He grew up in the predominantly Cherokee Indian community of Bell in Adair County, Oklahoma. He attended Bell Grade School for eight years, and graduated from Stilwell High School in 1966. He entered the Army in May, 1966, serving 10 months in Korea and 16 in Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam he was awarded two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star for meritorious service, two Purple Hearts, and a Good Conduct Medal. In 2022, one of the Silver Stars was upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Recipient Birdwell returned home in December, 1968. He attended Northeastern State University, graduating with academic distinction and then the University of Oklahoma College of Law, graduating in 1976, again with academic distinction. He and his wife Virginia of 56 years have two children and two grandchildren.

Medal of Honor Recipient Birdwell served on the Judicial Appeals Tribunal (Supreme Court) of the Cherokee Nation 1987-1999 and now serves as a Cherokee Nation Gaming Commissioner. He is a practicing attorney and carries an Av rating from Martindale Hubbell and has been honored by the Oklahoma Bar Association and Board of Trial Advocates.

Appointed to the General Sessions Court in 2024, Judge Tori Smith filled the vacancy left by Judge Alex McVeagh’s election to the Circuit Court. Since then, she has presided with a commitment to ensuring that all who enter her courtroom are treated with dignity. Judge Smith’s calling to the law began in childhood and was strengthened by her desire to serve her community. A member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, she attended law school with support from her tribe’s education scholarship and has dedicated her career to giving back. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Smith worked as an attorney in the 11th Judicial District Public Defenders office. She lives in Hamilton County with her husband, Andrew Smith, and their three children.