Hoosier Veteran's Long Journey Home Takes Detour to State of the Union Address
January 20, 2012
Hoosier Veteran's Long Journey Home Takes Detour to State of the Union Address
Cpl. Cory Smith to Attend State of the Union as Guest of Rep. André Carson (D-IN)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson announced today that Army Ranger Cory Smith has accepted his invitation to attend President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C. this Tuesday, January 24. Corporal Smith recently served as a member of the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment in the United States Army and has completed two deployments in Afghanistan.
A graduate of Indiana State University, Corporal Smith has received recognition in the last few weeks because of his efforts to bring attention to the struggle faced by many service men and women during transition from military to civilian life. In order to raise awareness of the issue, Corporal Smith joined forces with GallantFew, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans during their transition, and is now in the midst of a 565-mile run home from his base in Columbus, Georgia to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Smith has been joined by other members of the military throughout his run and has shared his story at stops along the way, advocating for the numerous service men and women who are making the difficult transition from soldier to veteran.
"This run is about embodying the struggle veterans face," Corporal Smith said. "This is no easy feat. I'm facing inclement weather and physical exhaustion, but these obstacles pale in comparison to the ongoing struggle my fellow soldiers face as they return home."
Smith went on to say, "We need to shine a light on the fact that, on any given night, 107,000 veterans are sleeping on the streets and that 18 veterans take their own lives each day. We can do more, and if more Americans are aware of the struggle that our brave military men and women undergo, they will demand more."
Smith, who has now run 280 miles, will take a short break from his efforts on Tuesday to attend the President's State of the Union Address as a guest of Rep. André Carson of Indianapolis, Indiana.
"I'm honored that Congressman Carson has given me the opportunity to attend the State of the Union Address and to further this important message, but I am more greatly honored that we have leaders like him in Congress, individuals who are truly fighting for military families," Smith said.
Congressman André Carson has been an outspoken and committed voice for military families, with President Obama recently signing into law two Carson bills dedicated to strengthening mental health and financial literacy among veterans. Rep. Carson also issued a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction - the Super Committee –requesting that efforts to reduce the deficit do not include damaging cuts to veteran health benefits.
"We send young men and women off to battle, and they serve this country with honor and bravery," Congressman Carson said. "But the true test of our patriotism is whether or not we bring them home with integrity, support, and the resources necessary to be successful in civilian life."
Congressman Carson added, "Corporal Smith, alongside the great work of GallantFew, is bringing much needed awareness to this transition and the challenges faced by so many of our brave soldiers. His run home highlights that this journey is both long and strenuous. I commend him for his service, his commitment to his fellow soldiers, and his desire to see our country do more for those who have sacrificed so much."
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About GallantFew www.GallantFew.org
GallantFew, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit nationwide Veteran mentor network that helps our returning heroes transition successfully from military service to civilian life. GallantFew provides a social network, professional development, emotional support and physical assistance.
GallantFew, Inc, meets these veterans during the process of departing from the military. GallantFew, Inc. coaches them through the transition process, assess their skills, desires and abilities, offer training as necessary, network them professionally and socially back into the community, and will be a source of physical, social, professional and emotional support. Initially the organization will accomplish this all through volunteers. Ultimately, this program will be funded, staffed, and scaled up to include every veteran of every branch of the military.