The Story of the U.S. Army's First Blind Active-Duty Officer

Captain Scotty Smiley, might not see things like we do, but it doesn't mean he doesn't see what is important and how to live his life despite seemingly difficult circumstances. While serving in Mosul in Iraq he became the target of a suicide bomber and subsequently lost his eyesight. He could have dealt with things as most of us would have and simply come home and attempt to live a life as best as he could now being completely blind, but he didn't. He did things most of us only imagine. He scaled the heights of Mt. Rainer, served as the army's first action-duty blind officer and its first blind company commander.

He continues to inspire countless numbers of people including myself to stop feeling sorry for what life has dealt you and instead move forward in the grace and strength that God has given us all. In each chapter, you see how difficult things are for Scotty to pick up the pieces and simply do what all of us with sight can do. Perhaps we are the ones who are truly blind and Scotty has been given a different set of eyes to see the possibilities in life, if we are only willing to take a step of faith and move forward. I truly believe that this book is a great inspirational story and the perfect gift for those facing their own set of unique circumstances that are attempting to hold them back. It will hopefully provide them with enough hope that they don't have to settle for anything less than what God has in store for them. The possibilities are truly endless.

I received Hope Unseen by Captain Scotty Smiley compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I truly value my gift of sight, and wouldn't know where to begin to do even some of the things that Scotty did. I could never imagine in my wildest dreams, taking on a mountain climb to a 14,000 foot summit, across endless ice bridges only strong enough to support one man, and knowing you must walk it alone with only words and a rope as your guide. Just closing my eyes and attempting to navigate a sidewalk is challenging enough for me. Scotty Smiley is a true inspiration to those of us that often wonder where the heroes are in this world. In my book, he is one of the greatest. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this one if you are feeling with no hope in your life. Perhaps it might change how you "see" your life!

How many biographies have you read? Have you ever read any autobiographies? Hope Unseen is a very inspiring life story about "The U.S. Army's First Blind Active-Duty Officer." Many times throughout our lives we may have planned, prepared for and achieved our goals that were at one time a dream. Now, coming through the other side of such adversity, Captain Scotty shares his life and the lives of his family with readers.
Born into a godly family and one of seven kids, Scotty shares his past growing up in a large family. Scotty shares who influenced his life and who kept going when all want to sideline him out of life now that he is blind. The book is written with a transparent heart that has gone through various trials and still continues to as he lives each day not being able to see.
The moment I opened this book, I was hooked. I had never heard of this courageous man or his family. It never occurred to me that someone who was blind could remain in the service of his country or would even want to. I am sure that while each person who serves our nation wants to stay in the service after being injured, this man's faith shines through despite his injury. The faith instilled in him since his youth is tested, tried, and deepened through adversity. Character is forged through the fire of losing sight forever here on earth, with an uncertain future.
In the book, we are reminded the influence parents have in forging the faith of their children. Though we can't see how certain personality traits might come into play in the adult life of our kids, reading Hope Unseen helps us catch the "vision" for those entrusted to us by God. While we might not be thanked by our children or other children we influence while they are young, in the future you might see what becomes of what is planted in the life you nurture.
All of us have a part to play in God's plan for the present and the future, both in the lives of those we know now and others we have yet to meet. Being a parent myself of two boys, who are now young men, I know the ups and downs of parenting and the hopes and desires. I know how the choices I make today as well as those of my husband with our sons have yet to culminate to their ultimate fulfillment. One thing I do know is very important, whether you have children or not, we all can influence the current and future generations. We can all pray for them. Some we can pray for by name, others we can pray for generally, trusting God because He knows each one. We can encourage parents as they raise their kids to follow the Lord and live lives sold out for Him.
The other encouragement we can give is to be in the Word daily as individuals, families and as the Body of Christ. Daily devotions, reading the Word, studying the Word, and memorizing the Word will equip each generation to battle not just the battles in their lives, but also in the lives of others as well. When you read Captain Scotty's testimony, you will learn the verse that is inscribed under his military ring to remind him of his dependence on God, and God alone. What verse or verses have you memorized? If you had to pick a single verse or multiple verses, what would they be?

I went to high school with Scott and graduated with his older brother so I know the family and I remembered them as a good family. When I heard the news and all of the things that he accomplished afterward, I made a comment in a news forum that I'd buy a book if he wrote one. I'm glad he did! I was first in line to get it signed in the Tri-Cities when he made an appearance.

The book was well written! It flowed well and kept me on the edge of my seat. I normally read books with a little romance and oddly enough, this book still fulfilled that. The way Scott talks about Tiffany made me smile, a reader can really tell how much he loves his wife and family. You'll find yourself rooting for him and possibly shedding tears when he is at his lowest point. This is a fabulous book of a person who is like a Phoenix, he rose up out of the ashes and did something valuable with his life. He gives others hope and inspires people to be better. It's not just about Scott, his wife has fallen and risen with him. It's a story about two people who didn't give up on their lives.

I was impressed with the quotes that started out each chapter, they set the tone for the next portion of his story. I was constantly impressed by his references to God. This is a book about faith and healing, God was never left out of his successes and in his darkest moments when he questioned His very existence, he finds a way back.

I would recommend this book to anyone, it deserves 5 stars. I hope it makes its way to the NY Times best sellers list, Scott and his family deserves every ounce of success.

The evening news has its share of depressing stories and the military community is not immune to its own tragedies and bleak statistics. Scotty Smiley's story is indeed tragic, but it doesn't end there.

In Hope Unseen we read how devastating it was for Scotty to return from Iraq blind. Weighted with the implications of a life-changing injury, he struggles and he rises up, carried up in the hope and assurance of a loving God who offers a promise that Scotty clings to, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Scotty Smiley is not only an inspiration; he is my definition of a true military hero. His story offers hope to anyone who has been dealt a blow by the harsh realities of this life. His story is an inspiration to those who have not yet traveled this path.

I recommend this book for those seeking encouragement and for those who'd like an inside look at the struggles facing our military's wounded warrior families.

Benita Koeman
Military spouse and founder of Operation We Are Here

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

I received this book from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

I was honored to be present at Scotty's presentation during the recent 2012 Savannah, Georgia, Book Festival to promote his book "Hope Unseen". I attended the festival this year to specifically meet this incredible individual - he had been on the local evening news the day prior and his story intrigued me. I was not disappointed after seeing him and learning of how his life changed in seconds but how he has responded to this 'minor setback' as he aptly pointed out. Afterwards, I met he and Tiffany personally during the autograph signing and remarked to him - you may be physically blind but you have far more insight than most of the people who were at this program. I just finished reading his book and was truly amazed at what an awesome, yet humble man he is and what a wonderful husband and family man he is - his wife Tiffany is an exceptional woman and they are such a blessed couple to have each other.

...shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred percent and then some...taken from the Ranger Creed. These words caught my attention in Capt. Scotty Smiley’s book, Hope Unseen. When living in Georgia you have a general knowledge of the area used by the Rangers along the Appalachian Trail. I’ve seen the overhanging routes for mountain climbs bolted by the Rangers on Mount Yonah. Traditional climbing calls for you to place your protection in the rock as you climb up. With non-traditional climbing you use the bolted routes of the Rangers. Capt. Smiley takes you on a non-traditional climb beyond featured slab climbing with cracks, bulges, pitches and overhangs. His route climb is the Ranger Creed. He is still climbing.

Sometimes you happen upon a story that simply blows your mind, and the story of Scotty Smiley is one of those! What an exceptional man, truly one of our nation's heroes. Scotty's story will inspire you and challenge your own thinking about any difficulty you are currently facing. The fact that he took his personal trajedy and chose to LIVE and live FULLY is one that everyone needs to hear. The book is candid, funny, emotional and gripping. I feel ashamed to have been so nonchalant about my reaction to news stories coming from the Middle East about our service people serving over there. What a selfless act he and so many others have done on our behalf. Thank you Scotty for sharing your story! You have impacted this life forever!

We first met Scotty & Tiffany back at Fort Lewis, WA and I was heart-broken when it was him that was injured so badly in Mosul, Iraq while we were deployed together. I had been following the "I Can" Facebook page for some time and couldn't wait for the book to be released. I ordered it while deployed to Afghanistan from 2010-11 and for some reason, it took me until now to finally read it all. I don't know why I waited this long! Like other reviews have said, I've laughed and cried with every chapter and can usually can only read so much before having to put it down to give my emotions a rest. Thank you, Smiley family, for continuing to serve the Lord our God in all you do and for being such an example for ALL of us! God bless you and we'll look forward to the next edition in a few years.

This moving account will truly inspire you and sums up the spirit and determination of those who serve our country. I had the privilege to meet Mr. Smiley and hear his amazing story in person this week in Asheville NC. I came away with a renewed outlook on life and what is possible if you put your mind and heart into it. A very easy read and a true story of an American hero.

Major Smiley (he's been promoted since this book) is a major inspiration. He currently is a cadre member at Gonzaga's ROTC program and has been an incredible source of inspiration for myself as well as the whole student body of GU. He's so friendly and approachable and even will talk jokingly about his disability with people. He has personally inspired me with his spirit and ability to overcome such a horrific event and and continue to maintain a more positive outlook on life than most people. I am honored to have met him.

Ｉ　ｌｏｖｅ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｂｏｏｋ．Ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ｉｎｓｐｒｉｎｇ　ａｎｄ　ａｕｔｈｅｔｉｃ．　Ｔｏｏ　ｍａｎｙ　ｔｉｍｅｓ　Ｉ　waｎｔed　ｔｏ　ｈｉｇｈｌｉｇｈｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｓｅｎｔｅｎｃｅｓ　ｏｒ　ｐａｒａｇｒａｇｈs here and there ｓｏ　Ｉ can remember them when I need encouragement. I wish Scotty and his family the best.

I served with Scott Smiley on that fateful day in Iraq when he was still a "louie" and had no doubt that this book would be nothing short of spectacular! Scott was one of the best officers I have had the priveledge of serving with and all of his soldiers can attest to that! Everyone always had great things to say about him and would have followed him into hell...as many did,it killed us when this happened.Great to see that he continues to be an inspiration to us all.

I ordered Hope Unseen after seeing Scotty and Tiffany Smiley on a TV news show. I cried as I heard their story. After a recent severe shoulder injury that has impacted my ability to work this book was an incredible inspiration to me. This book gives the real story of how difficult trials can be. It demonstrates that trials teach us a lot about ourselves, they bring out the good and the bad in us. I am impressed at the fight that Scotty and Tiffany have in them. Their faith in GOD and each other is evident in this book. Trials do not always end the way we want, but in the midst of life altering events, Scotty and Tiffany still glorify God. Hope Unseen is a must read.

A must read! A book that once you start reading, you won't put it down. Scotty put into action the words of Phil 4:13--"I can do all things thru Christ..". With God's help, he NEVER let the blindness (resulting from his tour of duty) limit him from what he COULD do with his future. He CHOOSE instead of retiring with a medical disability, to be all that he could be. He omitted the word "can't" from his vocabulary and his life. Scotty and Tiffany have lived out the 'for better or worse' of their wedding vows. They showed their true sincere commitment to God and to each other through their personal story. A book that you will never forget that you read.

This book was a great read. I had the opportunity recently to spend significant time with Scotty and his wife. They are the real deal. It was very obvious to me that Scotty's faith is absolutely genuine and that he and his wife share a deep and unselfish love for each other. His story is a testament to the worth of persevering through overwhelming circumstances. I am grateful for the motivation and encouragement his candor and vulnerability provide. He is a man of immense character and a true leader. His words are powerful and effective and will help anyone who is in need of a strength that will endure.

After hearing CPT Smiley speak, I thought I had an idea of what he had been through. However, this book clearly outlines the events, struggles, and triumphs that Scotty experienced while intermixing vignettes of his time at West Point and other events in his life. He clearly expresses his love for the Lord and the Army, and I hope his story is shared around the world to inspire hope in others who have lost it.

After hearing CPT Smiley speak, I thought I had an idea of what he had been through. However, this book clearly outlines the events, struggles, and triumphs that Scotty experienced while intermixing vignettes of his time at West Point and other events in his life. He clearly expresses his love for the Lord and the Army, and I hope his story is shared around the world to inspire hope in others who have lost it.

What a remarkable story of faith, devotion, perseverance and example. Scotty would not have made it not for his remarkable faith. But what is truly incredible is the devotion of his wife and the total reliance on her. She is truly a saint and I am constantly reminded of their love and dedication to one another. I loved this book and gave it to my 14 year old son.