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. “When you go to war, something in you changes,” he said. He was angry, and worried about stigma. “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 to tell me ‘I’m getting help. I’m working on this,’” Dave recalled, “And you should, too.” So Dave took ownership of his transition. He first associated with the Bush Center in 2012, joining President Bush on the W100K ride. “Being able to see his heart and passion for helping veterans has meant a lot to me and has given me inspiration to never stop serving,” Dave said.
He’s become an active member of Team 43, sharing his story and encouraging others to make a difference. Dave explained, “The program reminds us we are not forgotten, our sacrifices were not in vain, and that helping us towards a successful transition is a major priority.”
