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

The inspiring, unflinching true story of “blind” faith, as Major Scotty Smiley awakes in a hospital bed and realizes his world is permanently dark he must stretch his faith like never before. Courageous, heartfelt, and honest, Hope Unseen challenges readers to question their doubts, not their beliefs, and depend upon God no matter what. A nervous glance from a man in a parked car. Muted instincts from a soldier on patrol. Violent destruction followed by total darkness. Two weeks later, Scotty Smiley woke up in Walter Reed Army Medical Center, helpless . . . and blind. Blindness became Scotty’s journey of supreme testing. As he lay helpless in the hospital, Captain Smiley resented the theft of his dreams—becoming a CEO, a Delta Force operator, or a four-star general. With his wife Tiffany’s love and the support of his family and friends, Scotty was transformed—the injury only intensifying his indomitable spirit. Since the moment he jumped out of a hospital bed and forced his way through nurses and cords to take a simple shower, Captain Scotty Smiley has climbed Mount Rainier, won an ESPY as Best Outdoor Athlete, surfed, skydived, become a father, earned an MBA from Duke, taught leadership at West Point, commanded an army company, and won the MacArthur Leadership Award. Scotty and Tiffany Smiley have lived out a faith so real that it will inspire you to question your own doubts, push you to serve something bigger than yourself, and encourage you to cling to a Hope Unseen.

About the Author :
Captain Scotty Smiley is the Army’s only active-duty blind officer. He lost the use of both eyes when a car bomber blew himself up in front of Scotty’s vehicle. A recipient of the bronze star and Purple Heart, he currently teaches the core course in leadership at West Point. Scotty and his wife Tiffany are the proud parents of two young children. Doug Crandall served in the Army for thirteen years, including the last five at West Point where he was an award-winning leadership teacher and later the Executive Officer to the Dean. Doug now lives in Richland, Washington, with his wife Stephanie and their children.

Review :
"Beyond the extraordinary courage and hope and faith in God that this book brought to life, it was just impossible to put down. Riveting."--Patrick Lencioni, president of The Table Group; author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team "Captain Scotty Smiley was put to the ultimate test of faith and passed with flying colors, turning what was intened for evil into good. His determination to overcome and to allow God to be honored in the telling of his story is richly conveyed through this book."--Steven Curtis Chapman, Grammy Award-winning artist, and Mary Beth Chapman "I have known Scotty Smiley for nearly ten years--since the beginning of his friendship with my son Edward at West Point. He was a role model for our family before his injury, and his impact on us has only grown since that day in Mosul. Scotty has an incredible story to tell and God is using him in a remarkable way. All of the Grahams look forward to reading and sharing Scotty's story with millions."--Franklin Graham "I love a great story, and the story of Scotty Smiley is not only a great story of a true hero, but this gem is so well written that you will cry, laugh, and cheer as you turn the pages."--Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author "It's been said, 'The worth of one's character is measured by the trial of adversity.' "Hope Unseen" is a compelling, inspiring, true story about courage, faith, and character revealed. You'll never want to complain about your circumstances again!"--LTG R. L. VanAntwerp, US Army "Scotty Smiley is an American Hero! Scotty and Tiffany have been an inspiration to the Duke Community, to Team USA Basketball, and to me personally. He shared his story with our Olympic Gold Medal- winning basketball team, and now he shares it with all of us to show how character ultimately wins."--Coach Mike Krzyzewski "Scotty Smiley's story is one all Americans should hear. It will inspire them in tough times and help them through some of the difficult challenges they face in life."--Senator Bob Dole "Scotty's story has not only motivated me to trust in the Lord, but also to make the most of all circumstances in life, good and bad. Scotty is the epitome of the old adage, 'when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.' Life handed him a gigantic lemon and he's in turn trusted God and is making lemonade by the barrel. I look forward to helping spread his example to people everywhere."--Tyler Brayton, Defensive Lineman, Carolina Panthers