Diana Smith

Diana Smith nominated Upland clinic for accommodating her demanding schedule of military service.
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When Diana Smith is not helping clients as an occupational therapist for the Pollock Physical Therapy and Sports Clinic in Upland , she's getting a secret kick out of telling U.S. Navy admirals what they can and cannot do.Smith , 33 , of Ontario , also is Lt.Smith , member of the Medical Service Corps of the Naval Reserve.She's executive officer for the Naval Surface Reserve Forces based in New Orleans , where she assists Rear Adm.
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Everyone at the board , which is responsible for handing out the coveted billets -- or paid jobs in the reserves -- outranks Smith.But I'm the boss.It's great being the most junior person , and being able to boss everybody around , she said , laughing.'No , admiral.You can't do that.'.Smith is more apt to praise others than speak of her own accomplishments during her 16 years of service in the Navy.That is why the Pollock clinic will be presented with an award Tuesday from the Employer Support Group of the Guard and Reserve.The My Boss Is A Patriot certificate of appreciation recognizes employers who do what's needed to ensure that members of the military reserve in their employ get the time off needed to serve their country.Smith nominated her employer.There's no way I can thank them for being as supportive as they are , Smith said.As far as giving me the time that I need , and not giving me a hard time..Smith's reserve duties require about six weeks away from work , taken in chunks of various lengths.The company allows her to work a flexible shift of four 10-hour days , which gives her the time needed to travel to her command in New Orleans , or around the country as reserve duty requires.
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When Smith is gone , contract employees are used until she returns.Smith , a native of Rockford , Ill. , joined the Navy to stretch her wings and save money for college.She enlisted for five years as a dental technician , and was eventually stationed at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.After she left active duty for the reserves , Smith graduated with honors from USC.I joined the Navy to see the world , and spent five years in a building in San Diego , she said.As a reservist , I've been to Italy , and all over the country..To Navy officials , Smith is a role model with qualities missing in the Navy today , said Damage Control Master Chief Steven Schilling , a 30-year careerist who serves with Smith on the screening and detailing board.To Navy officials , Smith is a role model with qualities missing in the Navy today , said Damage Control Master Chief Steven Schilling , a 30-year careerist who serves with Smith on the screening and detailing board.
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Smith applied for hers in 1997 , and at 28 days , it was the fastest commissioning on record , Schilling said.
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Smith , who is completing her master training specialist program , gives about 100 days each year to the Navy , 60 of them unpaid.She has conducted leadership training for the reserve throughout the Southwest , and has traveled the country to speak on manpower issues , Schilling said.She's also a good singer , having been asked to perform at retirement ceremonies for admirals and change of command ceremonies.All of these things she's done are big events to the Navy , but basically meaningless to the outside world Schilling said.The Navy would suffer a loss if she decided she didn't want to do this anymore..

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