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Stories of veteran service and sacrifice straight from the people driving today’s most important veterans causes and veterans organizations around the world. The show shines a spotlight on their inspiring projects making a real difference for veterans and their families, and along the way we'll hear the stories that drive them to do their best every day as they work to support veterans and their memory.
00:00:06:02 - 00:00:35:05
Speaker 1
Hey, it's Matthew Cudmore. Welcome to Story Behind the Stone, a show where we talk service, sacrifice and story. Today we're joined by U.S. Army veteran Stuart Smith, joining us from Central Florida. Stuart is a lifelong advocate for his fellow veterans, and has helped so many in the transition from active service to civilian life. We explore his six years on active duty and his inspiring journey to help veteran owned businesses thrive all across the United States, through both the National Veterans Small Business Coalition and the National Veteran owned Business Association.
00:00:35:07 - 00:00:57:05
Speaker 1
Stay tuned as we explore the profound gravity that Stuart brings to his role. Three Across America as Master of Ceremonies at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery for its across America Day as well. Stuart, thanks for joining the show and for the work that you're doing to support those who served. And to our listeners, thanks for tuning in.
00:00:57:07 - 00:01:13:11
Speaker 1
Hello and welcome to Story Behind the Stone a story talk, service, sacrifice and story. My name is Matthew Cudmore. I'm joined today by my guest, Stuart Smith. We first met over LinkedIn. A direct message called Out of Thin Air, but you were kind enough to answer it. And we've done some interesting things together. Before we get started there.
00:01:13:15 - 00:01:29:18
Speaker 1
But love, just get started with, talking about, your own service and what's been keeping you busy, over the last 20 or 30 years. What I see is actively serving the veterans cause and the memory of those that are buried in your local area. So much to talk about today. Thanks for being on the show.
00:01:29:21 - 00:01:57:15
Speaker 2
Yeah. Matthew, thanks very much. And yeah, it was a, a true cold call. I remember you sent me a direct message, and, it was just a request for help, and I think I referred you over to the Merritt Island Veterans Center. And I'm a life member over there. If anybody's in the Central Florida area and there's Disney out for, you know, just wants to get to something, different, come to the it's it's it's all completely donations.
00:01:57:15 - 00:02:28:20
Speaker 2
It's just amazing. And now we're we're two stories tall with the build a brand new building in order to hold all the memorabilia. There's actually a family there that has contributed one item from every single conflict in the nation's history. Family members, you know, and it's just it's just amazing and very powerful to go. I actually contributed to I had a, a dear friend of mine who was a Navy veteran and really struggled when he got out of the service and had some success.
00:02:28:20 - 00:02:56:14
Speaker 2
But finally she come to, you know, alcohol and drug abuse, and we were able to give him some hand talk through some donations. I know this is starting with a funny story, but we tried to get him some hand tools and he found a piece of wood. And when I say piece of wood. Matthew. 12.5ft tall piece of wood, that he was able to carve and it's called, the Buffalo hut is what is referred to.
00:02:56:19 - 00:03:12:12
Speaker 2
He hand-carved it. It's at the at the, Merritt Island Veterans Center. So if you're like I said, if you're in Central Florida and you want to see something uniquely different, it's beautiful too, because the campus is right on the water, come over and see the the Merritt Island Veterans Center, which is what we're here to talk about.
00:03:12:12 - 00:03:26:07
Speaker 2
Two radius is all the great work you're doing, remembering people. And then like you alluded to, my some 33 years of service to my fellow veterans. So I appreciate the time.
00:03:26:07 - 00:03:36:10
Speaker 1
Let's turn the clock back, if we could. Stuart, let's talk about your service and maybe your transition to civilian life and and what challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
00:03:36:16 - 00:03:57:22
Speaker 2
Six years, eight months, eight days on active duty. The Army issue or all services issue, what's known as a D.D.. 214 and it has years, months and days in it. Right. For your service. I'll be very frank with you. Transparent. Joining the military for me was, a, a choice of almost last option. Right?
00:03:57:22 - 00:04:25:19
Speaker 2
I was one of those young men that get on a rail against the machine in some ways. And I had some success after high school, but, was really looking to find my way. And, my father had been in the military, and my father in law had been in the military, and so I joined the army. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life, because actually, I met my wife on active duty, which was a great thing, and our son just finished six years of service on active duty.
00:04:25:21 - 00:04:46:12
Speaker 2
And so, as you can see from the motif behind me, that's my father in law's, casket flag, who was a U.S. Army veteran, and my father's casket flag, who was a, Air Force veteran. And what's above that one? Let me see if I can get my hand to go right. So this is really cool. This is a letter from a brigadier general.
00:04:46:14 - 00:05:08:05
Speaker 2
When my dad went to walk one Air Force base in 1958 to join the Air Force, and he goes on to say, what a transformation you'll see in your young man. You know, you might notice that he's, stands a little straighter and then acts a little prouder. And, and then those are two pictures of him in basic training.
00:05:08:05 - 00:05:30:20
Speaker 2
And then this, this other one. Here is a letter from another general officer who responded to me in 1967. I was seven years old in Hawaii, and, my dad was stationed there. And I had written to my uncle's commander to ask him to come home for Christmas on a year. So he sent this letter. And it's not a form letter either.
00:05:30:20 - 00:05:47:13
Speaker 2
And it's actually signed, not auto penned. I sent this letter and said, hey, listen, the needs of the Air Force, you know, we appreciate, you know, thanks for writing us. In fact, I did write it to the president because the first line says, on behalf of the president of United States, who was Lyndon Johnson at the time, president of United States.
00:05:47:13 - 00:06:27:09
Speaker 2
I want to respond to you. Thanks for writing this letter. Unfortunately, we can't have you all come up right. So military service long history. I was very successful in my transition. Right. Because, I left I think it was September 29th, 19, 92. And I went to work for my brigade commander literally that week. Right. So I, I've been helping a lot of veterans with transition work, and people can link up with me on LinkedIn, by the way, military transitions work through, Project transition and Chevron Eagle and some other programs that help military veterans transition and, done a couple, podcasts with them.
00:06:27:09 - 00:06:55:09
Speaker 2
So that's on the LinkedIn page, too, if you want to see those resources. But I had to learn it vicariously because I just went to work. Right. I had a good experience before that helped me out, but I, I just went to work and, it's tough for veterans as a transition now. Right. And so, the things they teach you in the program, like the transition assistance programs, all good stuff, but there are some secrets that are only gained from talking to somebody.
00:06:55:09 - 00:07:24:20
Speaker 2
Been there, done that. If you're transitioning military, please find somebody that can that can help you. But I left the service long career in human resources, organizational development, all that kind of stuff. And when you and I met, I was, leading the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses. And so I've stayed with two other organizations, the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses, which works, and what's called the commercial supplier Diversity Space, and then the National Veteran Small Business Coalition, which works in the Gallican space.
00:07:24:20 - 00:07:45:11
Speaker 2
So both of those organizations try to help veteran small businesses grow and develop. So both great organizations encourage people to check those organizations out there, because all the support you can get right, all the friends you can surround yourself with, the more successful you're going to be. When when we talked with you went to the Veterans Center. And I just love what you guys are doing.
00:07:45:13 - 00:08:05:21
Speaker 2
And we also have one more connection the Wreaths Across America. It was, just really honored. Have a very, dear friend of mine. Her name is Ruth Osborne. She's a marine Corps veteran. And Ruth asked me if I'd be willing to make this year's, reach across America, laying at the, Cape Canaveral, National Cemetery.
00:08:05:23 - 00:08:28:22
Speaker 2
So I was quite honored to do that. It's, it's quite a privilege, to honor folks who have gone before us and in particular, those who've served honorably and maybe got out and had a surveying career and just wanted to be interred in the National Cemetery. But there are many folks who are there who lost her life on active duty and so to be able to, lay wreaths there is, is a really important thing.
00:08:28:22 - 00:08:56:07
Speaker 2
A lot of people don't understand that the VA, the Veterans Administration is in the United States, is in charge of our cemetery program. Right. And so the VA created the, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in 2016. I was actually there when it was opened. And so there were 17,000 grave sites, designated there. We got a couple of really famous folks who are interned there, a Tuskegee Airman.
00:08:56:09 - 00:09:18:19
Speaker 2
His name is a Cowan, last name is Cowan. And then, the very first Navy female commander of the Navy Nurses Corps. Last name was Dirk. So we got some famous people there. We actually have some pretty famous people from the county, from, that have gone in the military service. So get ready to get ready to do the big wreath laying.
00:09:18:19 - 00:09:37:00
Speaker 2
And I would encourage anybody, because we all we can use volunteers and we can really use like organization volunteers, like scouting is a big, big part of this. When you do the wreath laying like autumn 1400 wreaths. Right. That's a lot of wreath laying. And, you want to give the families a chance to do their thing.
00:09:37:00 - 00:09:42:22
Speaker 2
And then, for those who don't have family representation that day, then we get slavery.
00:09:43:00 - 00:09:49:12
Speaker 1
I want to give international listeners just a bit of context on what Wreaths Across America Day is. What is it? What does it mean to you?
00:09:49:13 - 00:10:18:22
Speaker 2
December 13th. Right. Millions of people across America, from our national cemetery in DC to, cemeteries like Cape Canaveral Cemetery, we go to remember, honor, teach. I can't think of a better way to just sum it up, because that's their moniker. And so we do just that. Remember those who have gone before us and honor their service and sacrifice on that day with the wreath laying, and then teach the next generation about service and what it means to serve.
00:10:18:22 - 00:10:38:01
Speaker 2
So it's a great organization. You can sponsor a wreath, and depending on where you're at and how a wreath laying cemetery or ceremony goes, if you're a family member, you can lay your own wreath. And then if you're not and you just want to honor somebody, just go and become a volunteer. That it is really cool.
00:10:38:01 - 00:10:55:21
Speaker 2
In fact, we get so many people there on that day that we end up having to bust people over. And the high we are. The, sheriff's department shuts down one Fort Wayne so we can park people. So a lot of people come in. Yeah, it's just really cool. So Wreaths Across America, huge community involvement.
00:10:55:21 - 00:10:58:21
Speaker 1
What does it mean to you to walk the rows at Cape Canaveral?
00:10:59:01 - 00:11:20:03
Speaker 2
Yeah. It's, you know, get me going there, brother. I tell you, the the the the very first time that I saw the National Cemetery. Oh, inspiring. Doesn't even come close. It's just it's breathtaking. I mean, to look across at. And, the VA has done a great job of replicating that. So it it's the same stone, same headstone.
00:11:20:05 - 00:11:45:11
Speaker 2
Right. What's the religious affiliation after the service member chose to do that? Their name, their dates of service and sometimes a little remembrance from family members? I think that's the coolest thing to do, is not just look at the big picture, but go to the individual headstones and read. You know what people thought about them. It's it's really that's that's all I'm firing.
00:11:45:13 - 00:11:58:10
Speaker 2
And it's also emotional, right, to read what wife, husband, you know, daughter, son whatever, you know, gave on that, on that stone.
00:11:58:11 - 00:12:03:21
Speaker 1
If you could walk me to one or 2 or 3 graves at Cape Canaveral, which ones would they be?
00:12:03:21 - 00:12:23:14
Speaker 2
I think it would on some social media platform, somebody had mentioned, hey, we're getting ready. Do you have an interment getting ready to have Will share money. And this this guy may not have a lot of people show up. I responded, said, hey, you know, I've got some time off, I'll come up. I didn't know him right. Didn't know him at all.
00:12:23:16 - 00:12:54:11
Speaker 2
And I saw some other people post in response. Hey, you know, I plan to be there. And then all of a sudden the local, veterans motorcycle group said, yeah, we'll be there, you know? And then all of a sudden, this, this group in that group and there are 100 people that's just too cool. So, doesn't matter where you go, just, you know, go walk it for a little bit and, and just think and, and really recognize that these folks gave up a portion in their life.
00:12:54:13 - 00:13:17:08
Speaker 2
Right. And for veterans, it's sometimes it's, it's like, oh, it was a job. You know, we just kind of put it off, right? Yeah. Had fun, got an education, was job is great. Some parts were hard. Some parts were easy songs to work. But when the military when you're enlisted or you're serving as commissioned officer, you're going to do what you're told.
00:13:17:10 - 00:13:36:13
Speaker 2
And a lot of times being told to do something is not necessarily what you want to do. But did you signed up for it? So when people recognize that that's the that's the significance of the sacrifice, no matter what you did, you could be a Navy yeoman or Army infantry guy or whatever the case may be. It's that that service.
00:13:36:13 - 00:13:57:03
Speaker 2
So, it's fun when fun volunteering, when people get around. And it was fun going to that event and learning about this guy who happened to be a command sergeant major in the Ranger regiment in the Army, which is a very difficult, career. He spent the entire, 25 years plus and, it was just it was a it was great.
00:13:57:03 - 00:14:25:17
Speaker 2
Chairman and I just attended my uncle's ceremony up in rural Kentucky, FBO cemetery up there. And, yeah, he passed away, this year and, again, cold, wet, nasty day, you know, to go out there. And I think it was early January, February sometime in there. And, again, people showed up, right. And the color guard shows up and, taps and, the rifle salute.
00:14:25:17 - 00:14:28:00
Speaker 2
Let's just, all inspire.
00:14:28:02 - 00:14:34:05
Speaker 1
You shared that your son just concluded his service. What does he think about your career and what you've been up to? So, Connor.
00:14:34:06 - 00:14:57:18
Speaker 2
Was, like me, joined a little bit late. My son and I. I think for him, it was it was some of the same motivation. Like, he sees everybody before him that served. Right. So that's a viable option to go serve. He's, just recently got out. In fact, he's staying with us for a little bit until he, you know, goes to work.
00:14:57:20 - 00:15:12:22
Speaker 2
And, it's just so cool to have, you know, the next generation, serve. Right? And then maybe some of his kids. I've server, some of my daughter's, kids will serve. So it's always fun to see that, legacy go on and on.
00:15:12:23 - 00:15:22:18
Speaker 1
Maybe it's already done, maybe it's complete. And I don't want you to spoil the surprise on your speech on reads across America Day as UMC, what are the themes that you think the crowd needs to hear?
00:15:22:19 - 00:15:52:08
Speaker 2
Yeah, so we've been going round and round about that. So we're right in the middle of this decision. So the easy way to go is just to be the emcee and keep it that very classic, stoic. Here's what we're here to do. Remember honor, teach thank you. Right. And just give the time to those folks. Another idea that somebody had was there several more than several.
00:15:52:08 - 00:16:14:05
Speaker 2
But there's a lot of songs that have to do with Death and Dying, and we thought maybe we would put a song. The lyrics, a song, you know, one of them, because there's 3 or 4 of them that were we're thinking through, on there, and then say them right, say the lyrics. So not quite sure how we're going to do it.
00:16:14:07 - 00:16:25:19
Speaker 2
If I want the easy way out, I'm going to go formal and, you know, get everything done in order. And, thank everybody for being there and really give the time out to the folks who are there to honor those who have gone before them.
00:16:25:19 - 00:16:29:15
Speaker 1
When you're on site, is there a particular graves that you're going to place, a reason that you find here?
00:16:29:18 - 00:16:53:08
Speaker 2
I have done it before as a volunteer to let somebody else, so that would be pretty cool. When I first heard about Reach Across America, I unloaded trucks right out there. That's always like the first cool job. And it's so impressive when you see 3 or 4 semi tractor trailers pull up top to bottom, left or right. Just stack for a reason and all fresh like these are naturally grown.
00:16:53:08 - 00:17:01:07
Speaker 2
Reach. So it's really cool. So don't think there's going to be a particular one. But just you know just appreciate the moment and soak it all on.
00:17:01:09 - 00:17:10:19
Speaker 1
What advice would you give to folks that are considering joining the coalition, and what are you hoping to accomplish in your role with that organization?
00:17:10:19 - 00:17:30:16
Speaker 2
I got the one of the best compliments of actually. Today, I was working with a guy who was active duty Air Force, and he was getting ready to transition. I do a lot of just traditional transition work, and I please show me it's all I just give it. Right. So here's the advice. I don't charge anybody. I don't make any kind of money, doing that kind of stuff.
00:17:30:18 - 00:17:52:07
Speaker 2
So, so guys on Air Force active duty and he's really thinking through here's what I did in the Air Force. Why don't I just go find a job like that in the civilian community? And he he said that my words at the time were, why get a job when you can create a job? And he was really curious about that.
00:17:52:07 - 00:18:09:20
Speaker 2
And he's like, what are you talking about? I said, hey, Alec, why don't you become an entrepreneur, right? Why don't you not only create a job for yourself, do what you want to do, and have the freedom and the flexibility and the challenge of operating your own business. But you could also help your fellow veterans and your community.
00:18:10:01 - 00:18:36:12
Speaker 2
You know, you create economic prosperity for a whole bunch of people. And, he took me up on his vice. And so, Alliance Cyber is a cybersecurity firm here in cocoa, Florida that, that, like, whole, runs. So, that story is what I'm trying to do with NBC in November is repeat that story over and over again, give those veterans the opportunity to create a successful, veteran owned business and thrive economically.
00:18:36:16 - 00:18:46:03
Speaker 1
Is there any way that folks can follow you on your mission, support your work and everything that you're doing across the coalition, across the globe? And also to reach across America.
00:18:46:06 - 00:19:07:13
Speaker 2
If you're a veteran owned small business and you work in a government contracting commercial space, come look at our organization. No, Boba Nbsp, we love to have you, find value in those. I think more importantly for my, fellow veterans is just remember the promise that you make and never leave anyone behind. That'll keep you going in the right direction, right?
00:19:07:15 - 00:19:24:02
Speaker 2
No matter what your gift is. If you can share that with a person that used to be to the right or left of you who might be following you out of the service, make sure that you don't leave behind and then follow me on LinkedIn. Right? I love to connect with people and expand my network and help people.
00:19:24:07 - 00:19:26:18
Speaker 2
That's how we met, right? Rachel.
00:19:26:22 - 00:19:46:22
Speaker 1
Exactly. Stuart. I've so enjoyed chatting with you and learning more. I thought I knew everything that you're up to, but that was just scratching the surface. We will see you on LinkedIn. Return you on. We'll be thinking about you down at Cape Canaveral on Saturday, December 13th. And, and thank you for everything you're doing for veterans and for the community.
00:19:46:22 - 00:19:48:21
Speaker 1
It's usually for inspirational.
00:19:48:21 - 00:20:11:17
Speaker 2
Yeah. Same thing for you, brother. You guys are doing wonderful work. I, I encourage people to listen to your podcast because I've listened to some of them. Just see the great work you guys are doing. And, I'm so glad that you reached out right. And just appreciate all the, all the effort you guys are, are doing up there.
00:20:11:19 - 00:20:31:02
Speaker 1
Thanks so much for tuning in. Story. Behind the Stone is available on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, and on the Rise Across America Radio Network on iHeartRadio. Audacity and tune in to search for wreath. We air every Thursday at 10 a.m. eastern on the Red Cross Radio Network. Thank you for tuning in.