www.nbc.com/days-of-our-lives/insider/2012/02/veteran-profile-leslie-nicole-smith/Days Insider interview with Leslie Nicole Smith (Veterans episode)
Veteran Profile: Leslie Nicole Smith
February 8, 2012 11:02 AM
As part of the continuing arc of Jack's struggle with PTSD, DAYS had the opportunity to feature a number of U.S. Veterans who were kind enough to share their experiences on the show. One such Veteran, Leslie Nicole Smith, shared her story with us below in an exclusive interview.
DAYS Insider: Tell us a bit about yourself. In which branch of the military did you serve?
Leslie Nicole Smith: I served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. My last rank held was Captain.
DAYS Insider: Where/when were you deployed?
Leslie Nicole Smith:I was deployed to Bosnia from September 2001 - March 2002.
DAYS Insider: Are there any personal stories you'd like to share?
Leslie Nicole Smith: I volunteered to deploy to Bosnia where I served as a Public Affairs Officer in the Joint Visitors Bureau. My primary duty was to plan and execute itineraries for all of the distinguished visitors, including politicians and celebrities. I also had the incredible opportunity to work with the other multi-national forces stationed in Bosnia. However, the most meaningful aspect was the rewarding experience I had working right alongside the Bosnian people. They were so gracious and appreciative of our help to restore their towns and communities. Everyday, they would thank us for coming to help them rebuild their lives. This made such an impact on me I decided I wanted to stay for a second deployment. I truly did not want to leave.
Everything was just about set to remain for an additional tour. Two weeks before the end of my original deployment, I developed a blood clot in my left leg. I was informed that I would have to depart Bosnia. I was devastated and tried to convince the Commanding General and the Brigade Surgeon that I was fine and could at least return with my fellow service members in the Division. Unfortunately, I lost that argument and had to leave a country I had come to admire greatly.
When I arrived back in the States, I was admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I was diagnosed with a blood disorder. Even though I was placed on medicine, my condition took a sudden turn for the worse. My situation became so dire that the Army retired me immediately, and I was placed on imminent death status with only 24 hours to survive. My family was told to say goodbye to me at 10:00 p.m. as I would not live through the next morning. The social worker was called in to discuss funeral arrangements and asked my parents directly if they wanted me buried at Arlington National Cemetery or would they prefer to take my body home.
Luckily, the doctors and staff at Walter Reed continued to search for a cure and consulted other medical professionals around the country. They could not find a similar case, but presented my family with a final option in attempt to save me. The doctors explained there was a medicine to try as a last resort. However, there was no guarantee and could end my life immediately or cause a stroke or heart attack. Either way, I was going to die as my body was shutting down. My family decided to have the medicine administered and they waited.
My body responded and I improved slowly. I was rushed to surgery, but the doctors were not able to save my leg and my left leg was amputated at the knee. The first words I spoke upon waking up after the surgery that was going to change my life forever were, "I used to be a cheerleader." My Mom responded, "Yes and now you can be the coach."
Naturally, I went through the ups and downs with having lived through such a trauma. There are so many questions about how you will live your life and will you ever be normal again. So many times I said why me. Then I realized why not me. We are all on the same playing field and anything can happen to anyone at any time. It was at this very moment I realized I had a choice. I could roll over, give up and become a victim or I could make the best of my new challenge. I became determined to find the good and the purpose in everything that had happened to me.
It did not take long. I was still a patient when the injured troops started to return from Iraq and Afghanistan, most of them amputees. I would approach them in physical therapy and introduce myself. Often times they said they did not want anything and then I would pull up my pant leg exposing my prosthetic leg. At that very instant, we connected and I was able to answer questions and provide support.
Even though I was no longer able to wear the uniform and fight the fight, I had found a new mission in serving that was greater than I had ever expected. Finding this meaning gave me new strength and has empowered me to continue helping and inspiring others. I finally had understood my Mom's words and what it meant to be the coach.
I know this inner fortitude helped me overcome further complications from the blood disorder. Over the last several years, I have had significant vision loss leaving me legally blind. The only sight that remains is a small sliver across the top of my right eye. Little did I realize that the challenges from having lost my leg had actually built a foundation of courage and perseverance that has pulled me through this major life change. Still something was missing, and I did not want to go it alone anymore; so I applied for a service dog with Canines for Veterans. I was ecstatic to learn I would receive Issac, a yellow Lab and Golden Retriever mix, who had been only one day away from being put down at the shelter before being rescued as a potential service dog. Luckily for me, he was saved and started the training program. Issac graduated and was waiting for his special person. I was his special person.
We bonded immediately and have been inseparable since. Issac is my best friend and has changed my life by opening up my world and giving me renewed confidence. Issac provides unconditional love and emotional support that always makes me smile. He is always there for me especially when I drop something and he picks it up for me. He is truly my special guy, and I can not imagine life without him. I believe we were brought together, both of us having been given second chances. We make the perfect team, and it was so memorable for me to have Issac with me on the episode right by my side.
DAYS Insider: Do you feel that having a role in this episode might help reach some vets who struggle with PTSD?
Leslie Nicole Smith: You can imagine how honored I was to have a role in the Days of our Lives Veterans PTSD episode along with the other real deal veterans. Playing myself really allowed me to open up and honestly express my true feelings and experiences. By sharing my own struggles with PTSD, I feel strongly that veterans also struggling with PTSD were able to connect and relate to what each character represented and shared as well. I personally have used my local Vet Center and currently participate in both individual counseling and a support group for veterans. I always encourage others to utilize such available resources as they have helped me through so much. Unfortunately, many veterans suffer in silence and fear the stigma associated with seeking help for PTSD. This special episode can serve as a platform to start breaking the stereotype that veterans who seek counseling are perceived as weak. Bringing this much-needed topic to the front lines has exposed the reality of PTSD and created a national awareness that so many veterans and their families struggle daily with PTSD. I am so proud to have been a part of this Days of our Lives episode that took a step forward to create positive change by reaching out to encourage and inspire others.
DAYS Insider: We wish to thank Leslie and all veterans for their service to our country. This episode is available for viewing until Sunday, February 12th. Click here to watch!
