Keithan Smith leads VetsForever operations after 21-year Navy career
The former chief petty officer helps veterans secure disability benefits and process discharge upgrades.
By Natalie Cooper ·
Keithan Smith serves as the director of strategic operations for VetsForever, an accredited law and advocacy group. He joined the organization after retiring from the United States Navy in 2023. His role involves guiding veterans through the bureaucratic processes of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Smith served in uniform for 21 years. He enlisted in August 2002 and held the rank of E-7, Chief Petty Officer, before his departure. During his service, he worked in intelligence for 14 years. His assignments included a position at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade and a logistics role at the Pentagon. He also served aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney, where he earned Senior Sailor of the Year honors in consecutive years.
The group Smith leads provides legal support to service members. This assistance includes claims for disability benefits and upgrades to military discharges. Smith said he became interested in this work after struggling to adjust to civilian life. He described the experience as feeling like a "fish out of water" in corporate America. He stated that he never wanted other veterans to feel the same confusion he experienced after leaving the military.
Smith was raised in St. Louis in a religious household with military ties. His stepfather served in the Army, and his aunt and uncle served in the Marines. He began his enlistment process at the Military Entrance Processing Station in St. Louis. He watched the September 11 attacks on television three days after turning 17. His recruiter offered him the chance to leave, but he completed his processing two days later.
He entered active duty as a cryptologic technician administrative. At 18, he led a division of 90 recruits through basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes. Later, he coordinated transportation for top military officials and foreign dignitaries at the Pentagon. His service took him to locations including Hawaii and the Arabian Sea.
Smith decided to retire following the birth of his daughter. His wife experienced medical complications during the delivery. He chose to stay home rather than return to sea, noting that the Navy could replace him, but his family needed him. He moved to Texas to build a life with his family after a brief stint as a civilian in the Secretary of the Navy’s office in Washington, D.C.
At VetsForever, Smith has helped Black and elderly veterans increase their disability compensation from the VA. He noted that many veterans leave service without realizing the benefits available to them. His goal is to ensure they receive the services they are owed. He describes his current work as a continuation of serving the nation.
