MEET ADAM SMITH
GREEN BERET VETERAN
Putting People First in NC-11
From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the disaster zones of Western North Carolina, Adam Smith has dedicated his life to serving others. As a decorated Green Beret with 17 years of military service, he knows what real leadership looks like under pressure.
When Hurricane Helene devastated our mountains, Adam didn’t wait for government permission. He organized the largest civilian disaster relief operation in modern history, conducting over 2,500 air sorties and distributing 6 million pounds of supplies to our neighbors in need.
Now he’s ready to bring that same decisive leadership to Congress, fighting for veterans, mountain families, and the values that make Western North Carolina strong.
U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret)
Hurricane Helene Relief Commander
Successful Entrepreneur & Business Leader
Devoted Father & Community Servant
THE MAN BEHIND THE MISSION
Adam is first and foremost a devoted father to his 4.5-year-old daughter Tove, whose rescue during Hurricane Helene sparked the largest civilian disaster relief operation in modern history. The joy of seeing her safe motivated him to ensure no other family would be left behind.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Adam is a sought-after public speaker, podcast host of “Savage Freedoms Podcast,” and leadership consultant. His message is simple but powerful: stop being a victim and become an asset to your family and community.
Like many veterans, Adam’s transition into civilian life wasn’t easy. He nearly lost everything but found new purpose in serving others. That experience drives his passion for helping people overcome challenges and his commitment to ensuring no veteran is left behind.
MILITARY SERVICE
Over a near 17-year military career, Adam deployed around the world on multiple tours and served within the Defense Intelligence Agency. His service taught him qualities he has carried into every chapter of his life: leadership, accountability, and service before self.
Like many veterans, Adam faced difficult challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. At his lowest point, a close friend and Navy SEAL helped him rediscover his identity and purpose. That turning point set him on a new path: to advocate for those who too often go unheard and create impact in every community he can in contact with.
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Adam became Director of Training and Head Instructor at Norse Tactical, training law enforcement and Special Operations units. He later founded Savage Freedoms and Savage Consulting, ventures through which he trained thousands of officers, service members, and civilians, and advised businesses and nonprofits across the United States and Canada.
His work has always been rooted in service, strengthening organizations and the people within them.
HURRICANE HELENE RESPONSE
When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Adam was determined to get to his daughter. That led to first helicopter evacuation in WNC. What started with only a truck and a phone call grew into an unprecedented grassroots effort and the formation of Savage Freedoms Relief Operations.
Bypassing red tape and bureaucratic obstacles, SFRO mobilized volunteers, coordinated helicopter missions, and delivered millions of pounds of supplies, fuel, and equipment to hard-hit mountain communities. They delivered lifesaving oxygen and insulin—not only to individuals in need but also to county governments struggling to secure them.
In the hardest days, he showed up for his community and proved what servant leadership looks like in action. The team he built restored hope where others physically could not.
MISSION: CREATE IMPACT
Adam’s mission has never changed: CREATE IMPACT. Whether in uniform, in business, or in service to his neighbors, he leads with conviction and action. Now he is running for Congress because he believes Western North Carolina deserves a representative who will fight for its people with the same grit, courage, and determination he carried on foreign soil.
His campaign is about service before self, accountability before politics, and putting the needs of the community first.
Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.