Hi there,
I’ve posted once or twice, but never introduced myself. I’ve been interested in heraldry since I was a teenager. It’s nice to be among so many people that I can learn from 
-Brad Smith
Well, a belated welcome.
I began my interest in heraldry during my teens as well. I always liked history, and it centred mostly around the Roman civilization. Naturally that spread to various European histories, which in turn lead to their kings and emblems.
A belated welcome to our little corner of heraldry!
Failte ~~ welcome.
Welcome Mr. Smith
Welcome Brad to the forum, may your stay be long and fruitful.
I’ve been lurking a lot, and have a few questions regarding forum usage.
1. I have paid to become a full member (rather than merely a forum participant). Is there something I have to do or someone I need to contact to get access to the Members’ section of the forum?
2. After working on the matter for a few years, I finally decided on the arms I would like to assume. Is it appropriate to post the blazon in the forums, and if so, where? Or should I wait until the USHR lists them first?
Thanks in advance,
Brad
Welcome, Brad. You are indeed paid up as a new member and we will get you access as quickly as we can (all volunteer "staff" here). If you have decided on your arms, no better place to post them than here.
I’d like to acknowledge the kind assistance of Melvyn Jeremiah in designing my arms.
Blazon of Arms: Sable a caltrap Or a chief chequy Gules and Argent.
Blazon of the Crest: Issuant from a wreath Or and Sable a demi-winged horse Argent maned and hooved Sable holding between its hooves a net Or falling downwards.
Motto: Per favaria defensio (Defence through the smith’s service)
Symbolism: Like many of you, I pondered (my friends would say "obsessed") about the design of my arms for many years. I had some other designs in mind, but they always seemed to be lacking something. Finally, with Mr. Jeremiah’s help, we came up with an idea that seemed appropriate.
I am an Air Battle Manager for the USAF. That means that I watch a radar scope and tell the good guys where the bad guys are. Of all the traditional heraldic charges, a caltrap most resembles a radar return. The gold caltrap on a black field represents a "bogie" or unknown contact on my radar screen. I spent two years in Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany as a missionary for my church. This area was once ruled by the Counts of the Mark, who used a fess chequy for the municipal arms of many of the cities and towns they administrated. After my service, I returned home to earn a Bachelors Degree in German (from a school whose colors are coincidentally red and white). So the chief chequey represents to me both my faith and my education.
The pegasus is a symbol of Apollo, the patron of arts, and represents my love of music, art and literature. The net is another reminder of my military vocation.
Finally, the crest ties in with the caltrap to cant on my surname. A caltrap was a weapon of defense crafted by a blacksmith; thus "Defended by the Smith’s service."
Your arms sound very handsome. I can’t wait to see them.
Handsome indeed.
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I second that.
Simple, attractive and distinctive.
yes, i agree rather nice.
Nice. I can’t say I really know Melvyn Jeremiah—did I spell it right?—but I’ve seen a number of his designs (or rather, designs he helps others develop—armorial midwifery!) in various places over the years & he seems to be a quite competent heraldist.
Joshua Stolarz has done an emblazonment for me. I’m really excited, as this is the first rendition of the full achievement that I have! He did a great job:
http://www.americanheraldry.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=71&pictureid=1064
