I am Charles Smith, an Army infantry veteran, one who has had just as many battles in my civilian life, as in my military career. I have extensive experience in Compounded Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, addiction recovery, and situational awareness based on my personal and professional experiences and research.

 

The slow journey to peace began with my Army Infantry Basic Training detox in '93, where each sunrise feels like a fragile, earned victory.

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Now, people know me as an inspiration, a lighthouse, a phoenix rising. I like to think of myself as a brick wall held together by gold like the centuries old kintsugi of old japan. Each golden seam representing a tough part of my life that I overcame, strengthening me. This is what I hope to deliver in each talk or interview I am in. ​