Scotty Smiley's life is a true testament to the incredible power of hope in overcoming adversity. Despite the devastating loss of his eyesight while serving in Iraq, he defied all odds and became the first blind active duty officer in the military. His unwavering determination and resilience are truly inspiring. Not only did Scotty overcome his disability, but he also went on to achieve remarkable success in various areas of his life. He authored the highly acclaimed book "Hope Unseen," which showcases his incredible journey. Furthermore, he earned an MBA from Duke University and excelled in the field of finance. His outstanding achievements have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Macarthur Leadership Award and the ESPN ESPY award. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Scotty also conquered physical challenges. He became an IronMan, proving that there are no limits to what one can achieve with sheer determination and perseverance. Scotty Smiley's story serves as a powerful source of motivation for audiences facing their own obstacles. His journey exemplifies the importance of strength, leadership, teamwork, and unwavering perseverance. By candidly sharing his experiences of war, faith, leadership, and finding hope in seemingly hopeless situations, he leaves audiences deeply moved and inspired. Through his powerful storytelling and genuine vulnerability, Scotty encourages individuals to take action and improve their own circumstances. He demonstrates that with the right mindset and a strong sense of hope, anyone can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. In conclusion, Scotty Smiley's life is a shining example of the incredible power of hope and resilience. His story serves as a beacon of light for those facing adversity, motivating them to conquer their own obstacles and achieve their goals.
Scotty Smiley found himself helpless, blind and barely alive when he woke up in Walter Reed Medical Center after getting his eyes blown up by a suicide car bomber while serving in Iraq. He was once an accomplished graduate of West Point, and a leader in the Army, and he now found himself completely dependent on his wife, medical team and those around him to do even the simplest tasks. Smiley learned quickly that if he wanted to get his life back, he would need to work with other people and support other people. Through the power of teamwork, he has been able to continue as an officer in the Army, write a book, become an investment banker, climb mountains, go surfing and complete an IronMan. In his speech, he will highlight how teamwork is the key to not only getting further in life and accomplishing our goals, but also living a happier life. Audiences will be inspired to work with and support those around them, regardless of the obstacles.
The definition of hope is “to expect with confidence,” but what do you do when you’ve lost confidence in everything? When you’ve watched your dreams go up in smoke and when you start to question the God you’ve built your life around? As Scotty Smiley lay in his hospital bed in Washington, D.C. after being severely wounded by a suicide bomber while serving in Iraq, he was drowning in despair. All his plans about returning home to his beautiful wife, starting a family and building a career in the military seemed completely dead, and he began to wonder if death would’ve been a better ending to his story. Slowly God showed Smiley that His current plan was far better than the one he’d had for himself. He taught Smiley to expect with confidence that God was working and that He was good. Smiley was able to go on to become the first blind active duty officer in the Army, write a book, have three beautiful sons and pursue adventures all over the world. In his encouraging and inspiring presentation he will tell his incredible story of faith, hope and the love that saw him through.
As a West Point graduate, Scotty Smiley had nothing but the highest expectations for himself and his military career. He had a new wife and was quickly establishing himself in the Army as a strong leader. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 when all those dreams went completely black. A suicide bomber decided to blow himself up 50 yards in front of Smiley, severely injuring and blinding him for the rest of his life. He fought through depression, hopelessness and tragedy to become the first blind active duty officer in the military, an author, veteran advocate, IronMan and avid adventurer. In his inspiring and honest presentation, he will move audiences with his incredible story of triumph and hope for overcoming even life’s cruelest tragedies and obstacles.
