WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, Amazing America is honoring the people whose service reflects the nation’s pride, heritage, and enduring spirit. For Marine Corps veteran Seth Smith, that spirit is defined by purpose—and the determination to keep moving forward.

Smith, 25, says he joined the Marine Corps for adventure and a sense of meaning. He wanted to serve and to be part of something bigger than himself.

“I wanted a sense. I wanted an adventure. I wanted to experience something different, and I wanted to serve. That’s why I chose the branch,” Smith said. “Did it live up to my expectations? Absolutely, it exceeded them in almost every way.”

During his service, Smith deployed to Southeast Asia. But what he says stayed with him most wasn’t just the mission—it was the bond.

“The sense of community, the sense of brotherhood—you make the best friends of your life,” Smith said. “You go through harrowing and special experiences with those people, and I got a lot out of it.”

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Smith’s life changed dramatically after an accident at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California left him a quadriplegic. Despite the injury, he says he wouldn’t trade his experience in the Marine Corps for anything.

Now, Smith is focused on independence and safety—navigating daily challenges that many people take for granted.

That’s why he turned to Warriors Choice, a local organization that supports veterans and first responders nationwide through physical and emotional recovery. Warriors Choice will provide Smith with a mobility-trained service dog to help with everyday tasks and to provide emotional support.

“The mobility trained dogs are amazing they can do all sorts but the biggest thing that I struggle with honestly is opening doors,” Smith said.

The dog will also offer an added layer of personal security. Smith says he was once robbed when someone stole his wallet from the back of his wheelchair—an experience that reinforced the need to feel protected in public.

The dog is expected to be born soon and will then be trained through Warriors Choice by founder Anthony Longo, who says training a mobility dog for someone with Smith’s needs requires specialized skills and careful planning.

“Establishing that baseline for Seth is going to be very interesting getting him into a brace position, to do a transfer into a vehicle, or into a bed, or into his chair,” Longo said.

Smith says he’s excited not only to receive the dog, but to learn alongside professionals during the training process—building a partnership designed to increase his independence and quality of life.

As America looks ahead to 250 years, Seth Smith’s story is a reminder that the nation’s spirit lives in resilience—through service, sacrifice, and the will to adapt and keep going, no matter the obstacle.