December 2023

Veteran of the Month, December 2023

Captain Olivia E. Smith, PhD

Captain Olivia E. Smith, PhD, is a licensed social worker with over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience in behavioral health, military health, and other health-related programs. She served as a Captain, medical officer, and Chief of Family Advocacy in the United States Air Force during Desert Storm.  Dr. Smith has a personal and professional interest in program planning and policy development as it relates to the health care of United States veterans and their families. Presently, Dr. Smith advocates and empowers male and female veterans to obtain benefits and services to improve their quality of life with respect and dignity.  Her passion is to serve women veterans. Dr. Smith’s work as a pioneer, humanitarian, and veteran advocate exemplifies her devotion to promoting the welfare of veterans.  Her special determination is the elimination of many service blockages that tend to cause veterans to experience undue pain and suffering. 

 While serving in the military, Dr. Smith incurred a chronic illness that greatly affected her physical health. She utilizes her personal journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs to serve as a tireless volunteer.  Presently, she advocates for veterans, families, and significant others.  Dr. Smith commits her unrelenting efforts to make a difference in the lives of veterans by assisting with information sharing related to Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) for men and women, homelessness, health/disabilities, financial support, education, burial, and other benefits.  

Dr. Smith is a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and longstanding member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and National Association of Social Workers, Georgia Chapter and  Georgia Military Women which includes women veterans from all branches of the military. The Community networks and empowers women to obtain the “Quality of Life” that was fought for, sacrificed for, and rightfully earned as honorably discharged female veterans. 

Dr. Smith’s scholastic achievements include a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University in Washington, D. C., and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work. 

Dr. Smith, a disabled veteran and social worker, is a pioneer who provides unyielding time and efforts to serve her country and advocate for veterans’ rights and services.  She demonstrates a determination to be a change agent in the community and to affect the lives of veterans, who swore to give their lives to serve and protect the country and us.  Her steadfast energy to work for others is very inspirational.  Dr. Smith truly exemplifies good citizenry and makes a difference in many ways in our community.