Lisa Smith

After 30 years of military service, I transitioned to civilian life and experienced firsthand how difficult that journey can be. As a single mother, I struggled to find sustainable employment, unable to find anything paying more than $15 an hour despite my military experience. When the Warrior Transition Battalion developed during the war, I knew I wanted to be there as a civilian to inspire soldiers and show them that transitioning out of the military is not the end-all. I wanted to help them understand they can find new skills, be successful, and gain the confidence to move from uniform into the civilian workforce. Being military myself helps me connect with them because I'm coming from where they're at - I can meet them where they are. Now, as a transition coordinator at a soldier recovery unit, I work with soldiers who have sustained injuries, illnesses, and disabilities in the military. I help them find careers, get trained and certified, and navigate resources while they're still in the military. We can put them in internships to see what they want to do, what they can do, and help them gain confidence despite their disabilities and limitations. When they come back successful and happy, it makes my day and makes all the hard days worthwhile. I've also been involved in incredible programs like the beekeeping initiative with Valor Honey, which started with one briefing and has now graduated about 60 soldiers and spouses in just one year. We're the only military base with beehives producing bees for both agricultural purposes and psychological impact, helping with depression and suicidal ideations. I've also worked with Black Tie Tactical, an organization of military spouses who provide free formal and business casual clothing to soldiers and spouses, and offer classes on interview skills and dressing for success. These experiences remind me that everything happens for a reason, and that when people have information and education about opportunities, they step forward instead of holding back.