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Smith is searching for peace -- for himself and other veterans in need continued from p.6 Smith spends his days visiting shelters, legions, treatment centres and soup kitchens. He walks the streets of Halton and Hamilton where many veterans are homeless, faced with myriad service-related issues and in need of intervention. Then he speaks to them, about himself. Generously and honestly he shares his pain and his experience. "They'd know if I was lying and then they'd never trust me." So Smith tells them the truth about his struggles. He shows them there's help and hope after darkness, because he's the proof. He gives them his contact information. They call, sometimes just to talk, other times to be connected with immediate help. At first, Smith helps to identify their most immediate need -- food, shelter, healthcare. Then he connects them with Veterans Affairs Canada. Smith doesn't always know what happens once the people he helps move through the process. He speaks modestly of those who have He says he also believes Legion members should be armed with information and the means to reach other local veterans in need. Smith works closely with veterans of police services too, and he speaks fondly of the camaraderie that exists between police and the armed forces. Smith says he's grateful for the support his work has received from across Canada. "I've had support from so many people like LieutenantGeneral David Millar, Rick Hansen, Julian Fantino, Pinball Clemens, Ron Maclean, Major Jay Feyko -- just some of the people who encourage me to continue." But, there's much more work to be done. In 2014, there was a record number of suicides in the Canadian Armed Forces and Smith surmises many more attempted suicides, mental health and substance abuse problems aren't reported. Often burdened by trauma or physical injury, many returning veterans have major difficulties navigating life back at home, says Smith. But people are taking notice, he says. "Films like Unbroken and American Sniper , that's PTSD." Smith says he doesn't know what recovery looks like entirely. He's still sensitive to loud noises, yelling and to smells that are triggers for him. When he's triggered, he knows what he needs to do and he turns to his tools to work through the pain. He's still seeking peace. "I don't suffer anymore, I struggle. Big difference." When Smith visits the Victoria Park Cenotaph in Milton, he's usually alone. There, he reflects on his life, pays respect to his uncles, and mourns. He prays for the future and for all the veterans who are still suffering. "I got a call yesterday from a soldier I met. Those are the moments where I've made a difference." If you're a veteran of the armed forces or the police service in need, or if you know of someone in need, Smith can be reached at veteranshelpingveterans.ca. www.edwardjones.com 7 | Thursday, March 5, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Veteran Fred Smith shows his serialized Royal Canadian Regimental coin, on the sides of which he has carved a notch for each year of sobriety. | photo by Stacey Newman ­ special to the Beaver reconnected with him about their progress. At least 120 people whose lives are greatly improved thanks to his help. Smith states that local Legions must empower their members to reach out to other veterans in crisis. He believes Legions must start holding regular service workshops for veterans to create grassroots outreach programs. COMBATING TERRORISM fROM AN INTERfAITh Presented by WORKShOP PERSPECTIvE: Wednesday, March 11th 7:00 pm at Shaarei-Beth El Rev. Dr. Morar Murray-Hayes Dr. Aliya Khan Imam Hamid Slimi Featured speakers: Rabbi Stephen Wise and Shaarei-Beth El Congregation At its January meeting, the Interfaith Council of Halton confirmed once again that violence has no faith, and they condemn murder and violence of all forms. To follow up, Shaarei-Beth El congregation of Halton is hosting an interfaith event called "Combating Terrorism from an interfaith perspective: a Workshop." Our goal is to have dialogue among leaders of faith and then empower participants with the tools to then lead similar dialogues in other houses of worship or workplaces or homes so that the conversations have a ripple effect throughout the community. In this way we hope to not only pray but also act towards bringing more peace and unity to the world. 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