Fort Worth, Texas – Former Navy chief petty officer Keithan Smith has turned his 21‑year military career into a new mission: guiding fellow veterans through the often‑confusing transition to civilian life. As director of strategic operations for VetsForever, a veteran‑founded law and advocacy organization, Smith works daily to connect veterans with the benefits they earned.
From uniform to community service
Smith grew up in a deeply religious household in St. Louis, surrounded by family members who served in the Army, Marines, and Air Force. Inspired by his stepfather’s service and a personal calling, he enlisted in the Navy at 17, shortly after watching the September 11 attacks on television.
During his two‑decade tenure, Smith served in intelligence, the National Security Agency, the Pentagon, and aboard the guided‑missile destroyer USS Pinckney, earning back‑to‑back Senior Sailor of the Year honors. He retired in 2023 after the birth of his daughter, choosing to be present for his family.
Helping veterans find their next purpose
“When I retired, I didn’t fully understand what life after the military really was for me,” Smith told the Fort Worth Report. “I never wanted anybody else to feel the same way.” That conviction drives his work at VetsForever, where the team provides legal assistance for disability claims, discharge upgrades, and other benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Smith cites recent successes, such as securing increased disability compensation for a Black veteran and an elderly veteran, including his own stepfather. He stresses that many service members leave the armed forces unaware of the resources available to them.
Faith, family, and service
Raised with strong Christian values, Smith describes his service as an extension of his faith‑based commitment to country and community. “Veterans are our community,” he said. “Without the veteran community, a lot of America wouldn’t be what it is at this point.”
Smith’s story underscores the importance of local nonprofit efforts in supporting those who have defended the nation, reinforcing the link between family, faith, and patriotic duty.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
