For 15 years, Cindy Smith has been assisting veterans in Pearl River County as the Veterans Service Officer, helping them find health benefits. And just recently, the Veteran’s Office and the men and women who put their lives on the line for the country honored her for her service.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that they appreciate everything I do. These men and women served our country, which allows me to sit here and serve them. It’s a very humbling job that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Smith said.
The Picayune native was taught by her patriotic family at an early age to respect the men and women in service.
“My father was a veteran, and I saw everything he did to protect our freedoms,” she said. “It’s because of him that I am able to help other veterans.”
Smith said it is a privilege to sit across the table and “look at the men and women who scripted our history books.”
Her favorite part of working at the Veterans Service Office is getting to know the nation’s history and future, she said.
Smith goes above and beyond the call of duty, making relationships with each veteran while providing the best possible health benefits. Each month, Smith estimates she sees 400 veterans from Pearl River County and the rest of the Southeast Mississippi region.
“Hearing their stories is something I truly enjoy. I had the honor of speaking with a Purple Heart recipient from World War II the other day. Not everyone gets to talk or even meet these real life heroes. I feel blessed,” Smith said.
Smith would like to thank all of the veterans for their service and for honoring her work at the Veterans Service Office. She would also like to thank her coworkers, family and friends.