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From Vietnam to Volunteer of the Year

by Lindsey May | Aug 26, 2025 | Email Newsletter Articles, News Articles

Some people retire and slow down, but not Keith Smith. For this Navy veteran, retirement wasn’t the end of the road. It was the start of something extraordinary. More than 50 years after his service in Vietnam, Keith found a new mission: helping fellow veterans build better lives through Operation: Veteran Connect.

And now, his incredible journey has earned national recognition. We’re proud to share that Keith has been named one of just 11 national recipients of the 2025 Service Year Alums Awards, presented by Service Year Alliance. This honor celebrates AmeriCorps alumni who are using their service to make a meaningful impact, and Keith’s story is a shining example of what that looks like.

After confronting the long-buried trauma of war, Keith found healing through purpose. He joined Seniors in Service as an AmeriCorps member in 2022, determined to be the helping hand so many veterans need. From navigating the VA’s digital systems to collecting donated bikes so veterans could get to job interviews, Keith is always looking for a way to turn roadblocks into ramps.

When newly housed veterans moved into bare apartments, Keith stepped in, delivering gently used furniture, TVs, and other essentials to turn four walls into a home. And when hurricanes Helene and Milton left his community reeling, Keith put his trucking skills to work hauling away heavy appliances that threatened to overwhelm cleanup efforts.

Service doesn’t stop at any age, it simply evolves. Keith’s story is a reminder of that. Thank you to Service Year Alliance for recognizing Keith’s incredible impact and to Keith for continuing to serve with courage, humility, and heart.

Want to make a difference like Keith? Join Operation: Veteran Connect and discover what’s possible when veterans serve veterans. Email OVC@SeniorsInService.org or click the button to get started.

Click Here to Learn More

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