James L. Smith II

Cofounder and Director of Black Deported Veterans of America (BDVA)

James L. Smith II is a distinguished cofounder and director of Black Deported Veterans of America (BDVA). As a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, James has dedicated his life to advocating for veterans' rights and ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned. His advocacy is particularly focused on deported veterans, with a keen emphasis on addressing the unique challenges faced by Black veterans in this context.

James is an active and engaged member of several prominent veterans' organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Marine Corps League, Veterans For Peace (VFP), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His extensive involvement in these organizations underscores his commitment to serving the veteran community and promoting their welfare.

The formation of BDVA was driven by James's realization that Black veterans were often overlooked in discussions and solutions concerning deported veterans. Through BDVA, James works tirelessly to provide guidance, resources, and support to veterans, helping them navigate the complexities of accessing their earned benefits. His efforts are particularly crucial for deported veterans who face significant barriers in obtaining the assistance they deserve.

James's personal experiences fuel his advocacy. He is a recipient of a post-tour program at USVets, which profoundly shaped his belief in the transformative power of veteran support programs. He firmly believes that while some veteran programs can save lives and redirect futures, equitable access to these programs is critically lacking. James's mission is to bridge this gap, ensuring that all veterans, regardless of their status or background, have the opportunity to reclaim their lives and futures through fair and accessible support systems.