ADAM RION SMITH
GREEN BERET • ENTREPRENEUR • FATHER • MAN OF FAITH
Adam Rion Smith is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, entrepreneur, and community leader running to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. A proud father and man of faith, Adam has spent his life serving his country and his community with grit, accountability, and conviction.
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.
PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Devoted father and family man
- Veteran Advocate
- Leadership and team consultant
- Inspirational public speaker
- Innovative Leader
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.
READY TO SERVE NC-11
Join Adam Rion Smith as he brings the same dedication that defined his military service and business success to the fight for Western North Carolina. Together, we can build the leadership our community deserves.