From Despair to Hope: How VHSO Helped an Air Force Veteran Thrive “Thanks to the VA’s help, I am no longer just existing, I am thriving.”
By April Eilers, Public Affairs Officer
Ronald Smith, an Air Force Veteran, lived a vibrant life full of purpose. He was active in his community, always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, and deeply cherished his family. However, his world was shattered when his wife of 45 years passed away due to complications from diabetes.
“When my wife died, I died with her,” Smith said. “I didn’t want to live anymore. I stopped everything. I locked myself in my house, didn’t talk to people anymore, and stopped taking care of myself.” His grief was so overwhelming that each new day felt like a burdensome curse, and he hoped it would be his last.
Overwhelmed by the immense sorrow, Smith neglected his health and well-being. After spending much of the year in and out of hospitals due to his depression, his son grew increasingly worried he would lose his father too. Desperate, his son urged him to seek help at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, AR.
Initially, Smith visited VHSO purely out of a sense of duty to his son. “At first, I was just going through the motions so my son would quit nagging me,” he admitted. For years, that was all it was until he began utilizing mental health services. He started learning coping skills to manage his grief and depression. Slowly but surely, a flicker of hope ignited within him.
As Smith became more engaged in his mental health treatment and began using the tools he learned, he felt a renewed desire to live. He found himself actively participating in VHSO events, from cooking classes to barbecues. The RazorVet Golden Age Group was where he truly began to thrive. This group, aimed at older Veterans, became his sanctuary.
"Engaging with fellow Veterans and accessing comprehensive mental health services can be transformative for Veterans battling depression,” said Mindy Littleton, LCSW, PRRC/MHICM/RANGE Program Coordinator. “Joining a supportive community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. At VHSO, we offer these wrap-around services to help Veterans re-engage with the community and find renewed hope and resilience."
“I went bowling for the first time in 40 years!” Smith exclaimed, smiling broadly. “Other people were counting on me to show up, so I couldn’t let them down.” This sense of purpose rekindled his drive to live.
Now, Smith is healthy and a regular at weekly RazorVet training sessions. He’s even become a mentor for other Veterans facing their own battles with depression.
“I miss my wife every day. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her,” Smith shared. “But thanks to VHSO, I’ve learned to deal with my grief. I tell other Veterans not to be afraid to get help. Admit it when you need help. The VA understands and is there to help.”
From a man who was merely existing, Ronald Smith's transformation into a thriving, purpose-driven individual serves as a powerful testament to the impact of support and care. His journey offers hope and encouragement to both Veterans and their families, demonstrating that healing and a renewed sense of purpose are possible.
If you or someone you know is in need, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1.
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