Jerry Smith
Served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps
From the Frontlines to the Front Office: Jerry Smith’s Mission to Keep Serving
Jerry Smith served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and didn’t stop there. From leading Marines into Baghdad to building veteran support programs at Texas A&M, his journey proves that service doesn’t end at retirement—it simply evolves.
A Leader Forged in Fire (and Tear Gas)
Jerry Smith began his military path in the Army National Guard, but it was a tear gas mishap on his first night that taught him a lifelong lesson about preparation and resilience. A few years later, he earned his Marine Corps commission through Texas A&M’s ROTC program—and faced a new kind of test: Officer Candidate School. There, a steely drill instructor made one thing clear: leading Marines isn’t a job—it’s a sacred trust. Jerry embraced that challenge and would go on to lead over 600 Marines through Iraq and Afghanistan.
"No Better Friend"—The Power of Leadership and Connection
In 2003, Jerry commanded the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines through Operation Iraqi Freedom. They traveled hundreds of miles, supported multiple missions, and returned home without a single casualty. That homecoming—watching families reunited with their Marines—remains his proudest moment. His experience in combat reshaped how he viewed leadership: more than tactics or targets, it’s about being “no better friend” to those around you. It’s a mindset he carried into his next mission—supporting student veterans.
Building a Second Career in Service
After retiring in 2012 on the same stage where he once received his Marine commission, Jerry founded the Veteran Resource & Support Center at Texas A&M. For 12 years, he guided thousands of student veterans and military families through civilian life, always grounded in the principle: Serve well those who have served. Whether coaching veterans through transition or helping them “pull” the resources they need to succeed, Jerry continues to be a quiet force behind their next chapter.
At Hanks Coffee, we celebrate leaders like Jerry who never stop serving. Every cup you buy helps fund programs that empower veterans to thrive—long after their final salute.
