For Jared Smith, serving others isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. From his early days in the Boy Scouts to his time in the Army Reserves and now as the CEO of a regional Scouting council, Smith has dedicated his life to helping people and giving back.
Smith served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2002 to 2016, completing two tours in Iraq—first at Abu Ghraib prison (2004–05) and then at Camp Bucca (2007–08).
He later spent a year at Guantanamo Bay (2014–15) as a Staff Sergeant and Military Policeman. For his bravery and leadership, he earned the Army Commendation Medal for Distinguished Combat Valor.
Today, Smith leads the Muskingum Valley Council of Scouting America, covering Southeast Ohio and Northern West Virginia. His path back to Scouting is deeply personal—it’s where his journey began.
Smith lost his father before he turned two. Growing up in Mansfield, Ohio, his mother encouraged him to join Cub Scouts so he could be around strong role models. Scouting quickly became more than just an activity—it became a foundation. He eventually achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2001.
“Scouting prepared me for life,” Smith said. “It taught me to dream big, set goals, and serve others.”
After the September 11 attacks, Smith felt called to serve. While pursuing a college degree, he took a year off to train for basic training and joined the Army Reserves. Like his father, he chose the Military Police Corps.
His military service was intense. At Abu Ghraib, mortar attacks were frequent, and mass casualty events shaped his time there. Yet, despite the hardships, he felt privileged to serve both in uniform and in his civilian career.
Back home, Smith worked with the Ohio Department of Youth Services before landing what he called his “first dream job” in 2012 as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist in Washington County. There, he built a network of support services to help fellow veterans find employment and rebuild their lives.
“We learned you can’t just put a band-aid on a veteran,” he said. “You need a team approach. We worked with up to six agencies per veteran to provide real, lasting change.”
From 2012 to 2020, Smith and his partners helped place 280 veterans into the workforce. His efforts earned him state recognition in 2017 and a national DVOP award in 2020.
But the work wasn’t easy. Veterans often face struggles with addiction, unemployment, or PTSD. Smith, who battles PTSD himself, found that serving others helped him cope.
“Veterans are proud—we don’t like to ask for help,” he said. “But when we do, having the right network in place makes all the difference.”
After a stint as a Human Resources Specialist with the Bureau of Fiscal Service, Smith found his “third dream job” in 2023—returning to Scouting as the Scout Executive and CEO of the Muskingum Valley Council.
“It’s amazing to give back to the program that gave me so much,” Smith said. “Scouting teaches youth about leadership, goal-setting, and service—values that shaped who I am.”
Beyond his role in Scouting, Smith has been active in supporting veterans’ causes. He’s helped establish Gold Star Monuments and memorials for Purple Heart recipients and those struggling with PTSD and suicide. His life motto reflects his mission:
“Live a life worth their sacrifice, as the cause is greater than I.”
Despite his own battles, Smith remains a beacon for others. He continues to live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, using them as his “daily compass.”
“What gets me out of the darkness is serving others,” he said. “Sometimes, being the light for someone else helps restore the light within me.”
