Angelic and Keith Smith’s love story could have been pulled from the pages of a novel. They first crossed paths in Fort Belvoir, VA early in their Army careers. During a class, Keith sat next to Angelic, asking her all kinds of questions about the work. “I was already struggling myself, so I kindly asked him if he could stop asking questions and move to another seat.” He obliged.
Fast forward to 2010, Angelic was at her second duty station, and much to her surprise, Keith was there. “Oh, you’re that guy,” she pointed out. “I remember you!” Angelic and Keith became frenemies, competing in everything from soldier competitions to essay writing. They both wanted to be the best. Over time, that competitive energy became the foundation of a deep friendship and eventually, love. “We were known as a power couple. We made a lot of great things happen together as a team,” Angelic explained.
Keith served in the Army for 21 years, deploying twice to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2010. The couple raised three boys, two now young men, while navigating the challenges of military life.
When Keith returned from deployment, Angelic noticed changes. For 15 years, they worked side by side to address his mental health, seeking help whenever it was needed. “We did everything right, sat down, talked, made sure he was sharing with me.”
But in May 2023, Keith was having a bout with these thoughts and was prescribed a medication to help him manage these thoughts for the first time, which caused Keith’s struggles to intensify. A week later he lost his battle with PTSD.
Angelic was devastated. “In the first month, I felt hollow inside. It was like I was watching myself go through this from the outside. She realized she needed a distraction, because everything that was happening was so surreal and moving so fast. “I decided continue the plan and attend to my scheduled Army advance course just 5 days after I buried Keith. It gave me a chance to focus on myself and separate from the reality of life real-time,” she said.
She also found healing at TAPS events and widow retreats. “What helped me most was listening, sharing, and connecting with other spouses,” she explained. Her advocacy grew, and she joined the Army Survivor Advisory Working Group to address quality-of-life issues for survivors worldwide. One of her current missions: advocating to extend bereavement leave for Active duty surviving spouses.
Each week, Angelic volunteers at the VA Vet center as part of a hospice companionship program. She sits with elderly patients at the end of their lives, holding hands, listening, or simply being a quiet, loving presence. “I wonder what my husband felt in that moment [before his death], what others feel in that moment,” she said. “I want to be there for them. It helps me balance.”
Her three boys were so proud when she decided to pursue her Masters in Management and Leadership at Webster University. They were even prouder when she received the Restoring Family scholarship through Hope For The Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver scholarship program. “It’s such a blessing. I’m honored to receive this,” she said. “I have three young men who are watching me. Instead of letting this be only a tragedy, I’m turning it into an opportunity to be better.”
Angelic and Keith always pushed each other to move forward and succeed. In May of 2026, three years after Keith’s passing, she will walk across the graduation stage, carrying with her the love, resilience, and determination that defined their story.
Angelic’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and purpose. You can honor the service and sacrifice of military families like hers by supporting Hope For The Warriors. Your gift helps provide scholarships, mental health resources, and critical support for veterans, service members, and their loved ones. Make a difference today.
