Come Hear Amazing, Inspiring Message From Blind Pasco Army Major Friday [AUDIO]

Major Scott Smiley is a 1999 Pasco High graduate, and his story will provide inspiration and hope. He is the ONLY blind officer in the entire U.S. Military.

Major Smiley will speak at Calvary Chapel this coming Friday, February 20th at 7pm, along with a performance by noted Christian artist Phil Wickham. The event takes place at 10661 West Clearwater, Kennewick. You can get tickets in advance for just $15 at Calvary Chapel or online at their website, by clicking here.

After graduating from Pasco, Smiley attended West Point, and his outstanding career led him to Afghanistan, where in 2005 he came face-to-face with a terror most of us cannot imagine. At a roadside checkpoint, he was staring down a car bomber, with his rifle trained on the driver.  He was close enough to see the driver shake his head "no" in response to his commands to exit the vehicle. After several warning shots were fired across the front of the car, things accelerated very quickly.

Smiley told us he remembers the man taking his hands off the wheel, he then released the brake, detonating hundreds of pounds of deadly explosives. Smiley recalls waking up days later in the hospital. His body armor did it's job, keeping him from severe life-threatening wounds, but shrapnel from the car left him blind in both eyes. To this day, he still doesn't completely recall all the events at the time of the detonation.

We talked with Major Smiley about what happened that day,  his struggles to adjust to life without sight, and his stunning, positive outlook on life and faith he has today.  Smiley has definitely taken a path of leading others; in 2008 he won an ESPY Award from ESPN for climbing Mt. Ranier. He has also written an incredible book called "Hope Unseen" that has served as an inspiration to many.  He now continues to mentor upcoming military officers and others as the only blind active duty officer in the U.S. military as an ROTC officer at Gonzaga University. He has also spoken to dozens of groups and companies across the nation, delivering his message of faith, hope and perseverance.

He will share his experiences and message of faith and hope this Friday night. Veterans will be able to attend for free due to a special donation from the Columbia Basin Veterans Coalition.

Click below to hear our talk with Major Scott Smiley. You will want to come Friday to Calvary Chapel and hear more of his amazing message, and it will inspire you.

http://youtu.be/uJMxDiqHhao