In this podcast, Maggie Stauffer interviews Willow Valley resident Ken Smith, whose life story illustrates the power of resilience, tenacity, and compassion. After a rocky start in higher education and missing out on his dream of attending the Naval Academy, Smith eventually found success as a distinguished naval aviator. During his military career, he survived a near-death ejection and unknowingly transported Oliver North during the Iran-Contra affair. Transitioning to the private sector, he became a commercial airline captain before dedicating his retirement to philanthropy and hospice volunteering. His journey is defined by a commitment to service, artistic pursuit, and a philosophy of living every day to the fullest.