FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Army Recovery Care Program Transition Coordinator, Lisa Smith is a pro at getting Soldiers out of their comfort zones, especially when it comes to creating a roadmap to their future after the Army. It starts with building trust and sharing her journey as a Soldier. “I am a transitioned Soldier twice. I want to help Soldiers transition. I also want to be somebody they can trust with their worries and problems. If I can get to them, I can get them to focus on their careers,” said the eight-year TC at the Fort Riley Soldier Recovery Unit.
Having someone who’s traveled the Army road and run into her own forks along the way is like having a subject matter expert guide to help a wounded, ill, or injured Soldier through whatever issues they may be having. “I went in the Army at 18. I was a fuel handler. I got out in less than three years because I got pregnant. I got out and discovered I still needed money, so I went into the Reserves. I stayed as a reservist for over 30 years but did six years of mobilization at Fort Riley. We were a deployment redeployment center, so I deployed Soldiers and received them back. Receiving them back, they were different people. I didn’t go overseas physically, but I feel like I did mentally, and that’s why I want to be there for these Soldiers today, not only for career but for everything.”
Army Sgt. 1st Class Jack Peko and his wife Gloriah attest that Smith is there for their family, and yes, she encouraged them to get out of their comfort zone. Jack Peko had a stroke in November 2022, and his wife says they have the best TC around. “Lisa Smith made sure Jack had opportunities for classes to work in the IT world when he retired. She is finding every opportunity for him and our family,” said Gloriah. (Readers will learn more about the Pekos in November during our Warrior Care Month feature, where we find out what's on the horizon for this family and how even their children get involved in dad’s care to recover and overcome.)
Smith understands how Soldiers' lives can change, and finding opportunities to change with them is crucial. She relentlessly looks for ways to help Soldiers, especially when preparing for the civilian workforce. Partnerships and programs afforded to Soldiers are abundant, and Smith knows how to find them. “I think the fact that you can have training anywhere is good because many Soldiers getting out don’t want to be around many people, so any opportunity that is virtual or small is a great way for them to connect, even in a small way, with education, a job, and a purpose. Networking is also crucial.”
“We are their resource manager. I've been there, so I can relate. We have everything from education to jobs to networks. We encourage them to get out of their comfort zone. Get up and go find a TC. We are all dedicated to the program and Soldiers.”
Drawing the road map to the future and offering copious amounts of positive reinforcement, Smith is a bit of a mama bear to soldiers and is proud of it. “You can do anything you want, and if you don’t like it, you just come back to the table. Don’t be afraid to fail. I make it a point to let every Soldier know this and many of them are surprised and ask Really? I can do that? Yeah, you can. Come talk to a TC; I promise you won’t regret it.”