Isaiah Smith is an ideal candidate for Veteran of the Year because his service never stopped — it simply changed form. After serving in the United States Air Force, he transitioned into a life defined by continued sacrifice and community impact. In 2023, he donated his kidney through a paired exchange program, saving three lives, including his mother's — an act of extraordinary selflessness that mirrors the same values that led him to serve. He has mentored veterans at Lake County Veteran Treatment Court since February 2024, providing peer support to those navigating the justice system. Through Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he served as Chapter President at Indiana University Northwest, he has volunteered at soup kitchens, food drives, and community meal packaging events. He builds technology tools designed to help veterans navigate VA systems more easily. He is currently maintaining a 3.5 GPA in a Master of Science in Information Technology program at Purdue University Global while managing a service-connected disability — demonstrating the same resilience and discipline the military instilled in him. He is a member of the SALUTE Honor Society. Isaiah does not wait to be asked to serve. He identifies a need and steps forward — whether that means giving an organ, mentoring a struggling veteran, or building a tool that makes someone's life a little easier.
