Leslie Nicole Smith speaks at the Veteran and Military Services Committee Meeting

Members of the NACo Veteran and Military Services committee heard from retired army captain and veterans advocate Leslie Nicole Smith on Sunday afternoon about how to best help veterans in their communities.

Smith was serving in the 29th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces in Bosnia in 2001 when she suffered an infection caused by a blood clot. After the infection, she lost her left leg and was declared legally blind.

Today she advocates for veterans across the country and works with the Wounded Warriors project, the USO, the Fisher House Foundation, Freedom Alliance, Operation Warrior Wishes, and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, among others.

“Veterans have a tendency to not ask for help,” Smith told the group. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and despair. But “I know I speak for myself and a lot of other veterans, that when you cross that bridge and reach out you can completely change someone’s outlook.”

Smith noted that it is can be difficult to identify veterans in your community, but local churches or community centers may be able to help you create a list. When counties hold events for their veterans, not only can they bring people together, but they can also use the opportunity to explain local resources for veterans.