Air Force Veteran Ronald Smith faced profound grief after the death of his wife, leading him to withdraw from life and neglect his health. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he spent much of the year in and out of hospitals, prompting his son to encourage him to seek help at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, Ark. Initially attending out of obligation, Smith eventually began to engage with mental health services, learning coping skills that reignited his will to live.

As he participated in various VHSO events, including cooking classes and the Northwest Arkansas Golden Vets Team, Smith discovered a supportive community that fostered a sense of belonging. He found purpose in helping others and even became a mentor for fellow Veterans struggling with depression. Smith now attends weekly training sessions, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.

“I miss my wife every day,” he said, “but thanks to VHSO, I’ve learned to deal with my grief.” His journey illustrates the transformative power of support and care, offering hope to Veterans and their families that healing and renewed purpose are achievable.