Soldier, Infantryman, Airborne Ranger, combat diver, mountain climber, skier, triathlete, surfer, husband and father are just a few words to describe Capt. Scotty Smiley.
Now, add company commander to his resume after becoming the first blind officer to assume command of a Warrior Transition Unit, Feb. 1.
He became only the second wounded warrior to assume command of a WTU.
During Smiley’s last deployment to Iraq in 2005, he was wounded, permanently losing his vision. After receiving medical attention, Smiley was transferred to the Fort Lewis, Wash., WTU. There he began his recovery and journey to get back to active-duty status.
The 2003 West Point graduate wanted to get back to doing what he loved and that was serving his country in uniform.
Smiley attributes his strength and drive during his recovery to his Family, faith and friends.
“It was my wife, my Family and friends who were in my hospital room singing songs and reading the Bible that gave me the strength during my recovery,” he said.
“It was all of this which allowed me to put one foot in front of the other and accomplish everything that I have done to get to where I am today.”
The Army Times 2007 Soldier of the Year looked at what had happened to him and made the decision that he was not going down the same path as the character Gary Sinise played in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump.
“The decisions that Lieutenant Dan made after his injuries never came into my mind. I wanted to take care of myself — physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said. “I just did not want to give up because of something that negatively happened to me.”
He dreamed to return back to active duty, but knew it was going to be a long and strenuous path. However, it was not anything Smiley was willing to give up on.
“There were some very long, dark days, physically and mentally, but I just had to keep pushing on,” Smiley said.
He transitioned back to active duty, working at the U.S. Army Accessions Command at Fort Monroe, Va.
Smiley now takes command of a company that he himself understands.
“I know what they are going through. I understand the dynamics of the company, how it works and areas of concern that need to be improved,” Smiley said. “It is now my responsibility to inspire them and to continue to help them get the job done.”
With his goals set and with a firm personal understanding of his present and future troops, the new company commander begins his tour, leading from the front like he always has.
