The shadow box sits at one end of the garage under an American flag. It contains the relics of 22-years of Ron Smith's life. They include medals and a list of Navy duty stations that started in June 1974 and ended in July 1996. It was 22-years of honorable service to this country that started as a parachute rigger and ended as a survival training instructor and counselor.
Ron Smith is now retired in a comfortable Central Lake, Michigan home surrounded by his wife, Julie, and a whole bunch of drop-ins that include three daughters, 12 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. He also has a bunch of veterans who stop by to take advantage of Ron's offer to go fishing or maybe do a little duck hunting. Although Smith is officially retired, he never really retired from caring about the military and veterans.
He is currently on the board of directors for Reining Liberty Ranch, which operates a Horses 4 Heroes equine program for veterans. His name is associated with a wide variety of programs that not only serve veterans, but also the youth. The list includes Honor Flight, TC Patriot Game, Veteran to Veteran, Jobs for Vets, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Ron has no hesitation in rolling up his sleeves and doing whatever he can.
"He's a rock, he's an anchor," said Reining Liberty Ranch Director, Becki Bigelow. Bigelow has not only seen Smith in action on her board, but she has seen him in action helping troubled veterans. She recalls one struggling vet who was near the breaking point. She remembers how Smith was able to talk him out of suicide. "I give Ron credit," said Bigelow. "What value do you put on that one life? He listens with a military ear but acts with his heart."
Smith is reluctant to take credit for lifesaving action but acknowledges his work as a Navy counselor has helped him with veterans in need. "When I hear them talk, a light goes on in my head," said Smith. "I want to make sure they are OK. There are signals that are loud and clear. Most of the time, I befriend them and if things are not going well, offer to give me a holler."
Smith spent most of his civilian career with the Bill Marsh Auto Group in Traverse City, Michigan. He used his Navy training as the human services director. Again, Smith made hiring veterans a top priority. He also trained the owners that veterans brought value to the business. "Ron always flew his Navy flag pretty high," said partner Jamie Marsh. "I look more favorably on the opportunity to hire veterans. They turn out to be good employees. They are mission-driven and open to training."
But in the military, that mission depends on working as a unit. Smith says in the civilian world, they work as individuals. "They are horribly underprepared to return to civilian life," said Smith. But Marsh said Smith played a key role in helping with that transition in his business. "He has one of the biggest hearts of any man I've been around," said Marsh.
Today, in retirement, Smith has cut back on his veteran responsibilities. But he just acquired a couple of miniature horses, named Chablis and Maple. He feeds the horses carrots and ponders how he can use these friendly beasts to help veterans and their families. Clearly, his mission to help is far from over.