Loganville, GA - Army veteran James Robinson shares how a fallen comrade helped save his life twice during American Legion Post 233’s 17th annual Veterans Day ceremony.

For Army veteran James Robinson, remembering a fallen soldier became a reason to rebuild his own life.

Speaking at American Legion Post 233 in Loganville on Nov. 11, Robinson shared how Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith’s sacrifice helped him survive combat in Iraq, then inspired him through the struggles he faced after returning home.

His story was at the heart of the post’s 17th annual Veterans Day ceremony, where veterans, local leaders and community members gathered to recognize military service across generations.

According to reporting by Monroe Local’s Sharon Swanepoel, Robinson recalled the fighting at Baghdad International Airport on April 4, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Facing heavy resistance, Smith organized a defense to protect more than 100 American soldiers and took control of an exposed .50-caliber machine gun on a damaged vehicle.

Smith was mortally wounded during the battle. Two years later, on April 4, 2005, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Robinson credited Smith’s actions with allowing him to return home. But surviving the battlefield was followed by another difficult chapter.

As he adjusted to civilian life, Robinson struggled with survivor’s guilt. He described turning to alcohol and becoming addicted to opioids prescribed for his injuries. Eventually, his determination to do something meaningful with the life Smith had helped preserve gave him a reason to change direction.

“He saved me twice, once on the battlefield and again through my obligation to him,” Robinson said.

Today, Robinson helps fellow veterans facing their own challenges after military service. His work includes involvement with Operation Rally Point, a nonprofit led by local veteran Brandon Watts.

Watts also participated in the operation at Baghdad International Airport that day, connecting the two men through both their military experiences and their efforts to support others.

The ceremony also brought together four Loganville mayors. Mayor Branden Whitfield hosted the event and introduced the speakers, while former mayors Skip Baliles, Dan Curry and Rey Martinez, himself a veteran, attended.

Speakers included former Post 233 Commander Stan Mauldin, current Commander Mike Madsen and Kerry Dyer, director of operations for the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Their remarks recognized the generations of service members whose contributions have helped shape and protect the nation.

Members of the National Guard placed a wreath honoring local veterans who died during the past year. Madsen delivered closing remarks, and Pastor Calvin Mapp performed “Amazing Grace.”

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to share a luncheon sponsored by Tim Stewart Funeral Home.

Through Robinson’s account, the gathering also offered a personal reminder of how military service can continue to shape lives long after a deployment ends. For him, honoring a fallen comrade now includes helping other veterans find their way forward.