CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 16, 2013 — Climbing to the top of Mount Rainier, surfing in Hawaii, skiing in the Alps – all idyllic scenarios for a fun-loving, adventure-seeking athlete and outdoorsman. But these feats were all accomplished by Scotty Smiley after he became permanently blind in 2005.
Smiley, who is noted as being the Army’s first active-duty blind officer and company commander, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Billy Graham Library’s Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 14.
“We are delighted to welcome Major Smiley to the Library,” said Tom Phillips, vice president of the Billy Graham Library. “His service to our country and unyielding reliance on his faith is a true inspiration. Our hope is that all those who attend the breakfast will be emboldened in their Christian faith by his story.”
After the ticketed breakfast, the recently appointed Army Major will also sign copies of his book, “Hope Unseen” – which documents his life before and after a suicide bomber’s destructive blast resulted in his world turning dark – in a public event beginning at 10 a.m.
Since the devastating event which claimed his eye-sight, Smiley has transcended the bounds of his disability which he credits to his faith. A devout Christian before the tragedy, Smiley admits he struggled with questions of “why?” and “what now?”, but through the support of his family and friends solidified his trust and dependence upon God.
Smiley was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service in Iraq. He has earned his MBA from Duke, taught at West Point, won an ESPY as Best Outdoor Athlete and become a father to three children.
Tickets for the men’s breakfast are $15 and seating is limited. To purchase tickets contact Hillary Brooks at (704) 401-3256 or hbrooks@bgea.org. Additional information on the breakfast, book-signing and other upcoming events at the Library can be found at www.billygrahamlibrary.org.
About the Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had more than 750,000 visitors from around the world. The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Library is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.