Vietnam War-era veteran serves as American Legion chaplain

Chaplain, do you have some time that I could talk? a voice asked.

Chaplain Ivan Smith saw an 80-year-old man standing in front of him. The man was a veteran who had served in the Korean War. He had experienced events that left him unable to sleep in the same bed as his wife because of night terrors.

The veteran had never spoken about this before; Smith was the first person he could open up to.

I didnt go to Vietnam. I didnt go to Korea. I didnt go to Cambodia. I didnt go to any of these war zones, but I can tell you, I know I've been there mentally, Smith said.

Smith has been a chaplain in the American Legion for 18 years. The Legion, founded in 1919, is the nations largest wartime veteran service organization. It advocates for active-duty personnel, mentors youth and strengthens communities.

We uphold the oath each of us took when we became soldiers, Smith said.

Smith grew up in a small town in Idaho and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Virginia and North Carolina. After his mission, the 21-year-old went through basic training during the Vietnam War.

Of the 52 people in his company, 50 were sent to Vietnam while two stayed stateside. Smith remained in the U.S., assigned to riot control on college campuses.

As a chaplain, Smith has served in Middleton, Idaho and Lehi, Utah, where he currently resides with his wife, Gay.

My position is to listen and comfort (veterans). And where do we get comfort? From God, Smith said.

Smith recently visited a World War II veteran who is 102 years old and still lives in his own home. The veteran has 111 great-grandchildren, many of whom live nearby to assist him. When visiting veterans who open up about traumatic experiences, Smith seeks to do what Jesus Christ would.

The best advice I could give was to listen and weep with him. And put my arm around him as the Savior would, Smith said.

Gay Smith said hearing her husband's stories has made her feel grateful.

People dont realize how much sacrifice is involved the children that dont have dads, and the divorces and the stress that is on families, she said. If it werent for the few that have given their all, we would not have the blessings we have today.

Smiths granddaughter, Rebecca Mauseth, recalled a time she was in the hospital and her grandfather would visit, hold her hand and tell her stories of how he met his wife.

My grandpa is the kindest person I know. Hes always got a smile on his face and takes time for you, Mauseth said.

In addition to counseling, Smith leads post meetings and military funerals.

The chaplains handbook has specific prayers written out that Smith gives during funerals and other chaplain duties.

I give them all at our monthly post meetings, and anytime we gather. I give both opening and closing prayers; a military funeral is 20 minutes long, Smith said.

American Legion chaplains represent all religions. Smith said he always tries to bring in scriptures that would help others feel a connection with Jesus Christ.

His experiences in the Vietnam War and in his service as a chaplain have shaped the way he sees the world.

The thing that I learned is I cherish men and women who love freedom, who put it on the line, like the ones Ive met with and been a part of, he said.