Dave Smith enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was engaged in some of the war's heaviest fighting. He was honorably discharged in 2007 but experienced severe post-traumatic stress (PTS). "When you go to war, something in you changes," he said.
He was angry, and worried about the stigma of PTS. "We don't admit weakness. That's not part of our warrior culture," he explained. But things got worse -- at one point, he even contemplated suicide. Then a fellow warrior gave him the wake-up call he needed. "He had the courage," Dave recalled, "to tell me, 'I'm getting help. I'm working on this, and you should too.' So Dave took ownership of his transition.
He rode in the 2012 W100K ride, and since then has become one of the most active members members of Team 43. By sharing his story and encouraging others to make a difference, he helps others remember that they are not forgotten and their sacrifices were not in vain -- and that moving towards a successful transition is a major priority.
