Neuhaus Hosts Second Annual Prayer Breakfast

NEW WINDSOR – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus hosted the County’s Second Annual Orange County Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, November 10th at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.

Major Scotty Smiley, the U.S. Army’s first blind, active duty officer, was the featured speaker at the event. Smiley, a West Point graduate, was blinded by a suicide car bomber in Mosul, Iraq in the spring of 2005.The attack left him severely wounded and totally blind. After extensive rehabilitation, he went on to compete in the Ironman Triathlon, climb Mount Rainier, earn a Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and write a best-selling book titled “Hope Unseen”.

Smiley is a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

“Major Smiley’s story is amazing and inspirational,” Neuhaus said. “He connected with our audience and we were honored to have him as a guest. The prayer breakfast was once again a success and brought residents from a variety of backgrounds in the community together. I want to thank everyone who helped put together the event and joined us for a wonderful morning.”

Lawrence T. Dauer, PhD, physicist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presided over the event and speakers included, Neuhaus, Orange County Court Judge Craig Brown, Carla Wise, first vice president of the Jewish Federation of Orange County, New York Times best-selling author Leslie Haskin and Colin Jarvis, Executive Director of Newburgh Ministry.

Smiley lives in Spokane, Washington with his wife, Tiffany, and their three children. He spoke to the audience at the prayer breakfast about his experiences serving this country, recovering from his traumatic injuries, life after the Army, his faith and what inspires and motivates him.
“It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak at Orange County’s prayer breakfast and share my experiences with a fantastic audience,” Smiley said. “I appreciate the warm welcome that I received from County Executive Neuhaus and his guests. There was a great turnout and I enjoyed sharing my story serving this great country.”