GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — It's now more than 10 years since Robert Smedley was medically retired from the military. But the days after he returned to normal life he says were some of the toughest.
"In the military, you have a lot of support structure, you know, you have battle buddies," said Smedley. "You know, people you work with. You can rely on them. You have medical, you have systems in place within the military programs, mental health professionals, you name it. And then basically you are discharged, and they're like, 'bye, see you later, have fun', and you're out on your own. And I think most veterans can relate, unless they have a job set up."
Finding a job is one of the biggest issues Smedley says he had.
In the military, Smedley served for 15 years and 9 months. He served in Korea, Colorado Springs, Germany and Iraq, mainly working with army network systems. At one point, he was even tasked with flying satellites.
"So certain times you do certain things to maintain the health and welfare of the satellite, and then being in the position I was in at the location I was at, we had a special mission which was included flying the satellite," said Smedley.
With years of network experience, the Muskegon native moved back to West Michigan on the job hunt.
But the issue employers kept having: Smedley didn't have a college degree.
"I was told a lot that I didn't qualify, didn't have a degree, which I don't. It's fair, but my experience, I think, speaks for itself," said Smedley. "I have 100 college credits. It's not like I don't have any college. I just had to cut that short."
Eventually, Smedley found his way to Peckham in Grand Rapids, providing IT support. He says his employer took his military skills he picked up and transformed those into the skills he needed to do his job, which is an effort Smedley says employers should be more open and willing to do.
"I would say a lot of employers are missing knowledge about what military members can bring per job," said Smedley.
"You can totally train someone like in my position. You could totally train me to do what it is that your company does. There's another thing that most veterans have, is they're trainable."
Smedley also says he thinks employers and the military could do a better job of education on what skills veterans can bring to the table.
"I think the thing to take away from this is employers, if they were to just look at the person, look at their background, don't focus so much on what degree they have or what you know, their degrees are important in certain professions, you know, and I understand that," said Smedley. "But look at the person. Everyone has capabilities."
What is Operation Green Light?
Now through Nov. 11, 13 ON YOUR SIDE is participating in Operation Green Light, highlighting stories of veterans and their triumphs through some of the most difficult portions of their life.
Operation Green Light is an initiative from Kent County Veterans Services asking area residents to light up their homes and businesses with green lights to show support for veterans.
It also serves as an encouragement to veterans who are struggling to get help they need.
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling and needs services, they can contact Kent County Veterans Services here.