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Achieving balance and persevering through tough times are challenges that every executive faces at one time or another. The challenges are even more daunting for men and women who serve in the military while raising families and taking on large responsibilities as leaders. But the idea of “doing it alone” is not only harmful, but unrealistic. The way to be successful in life and achieve your goals is to reach out to a supportive team and count on those relationships to see you through. This includes one’s career. That was the message bought home by retired Maj. Scott Smiley, a guest speaker at an event hosted by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce on Friday at the event center at Blue in Bethlehem Township. Smiley had been leading a mission in Iraq in 2005 when he was left blind and temporarily paralyzed after a suicide car bomb exploded in front of him. He went on to continue serving in the Army and became the first blind active duty officer in military history. Chamber executives said the event, focused on the theme of perseverance, is the first in a series of veteran-related chamber events. Nancy Dischinat, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board in Allentown, spoke about how veterans have priority service at her job search organization and that the job market is improving in the region. “When veterans walk in our doors, service begins immediately,” Dischinat said. “We want every veteran to know that help is available.” HELP FROM EMPLOYERS Col. Laura McHugh, 213th regional support group commander for the Army National Guard, spoke about the need to find balance, something that’s even more difficult when returning from active duty to civilian life. “When you are deployed, you have a very narrow focus,” McHugh said. “My biggest challenge is balance.” In reference to women who work, McHugh said, “We have to do all of it well, and that’s not always possible. As they grow in their careers, balance is important.” A successful military relies on the support of others and is composed of a three-legged stool, which includes soldiers, employers and families, she said. She also spoke about the importance of employers being supportive of those workers who serve. “Sometimes our soldiers require much time to be taken away,” McHugh said. “In order for us to have a strong military, we need support.” VALUE IN TEAMWORK Smiley spoke about joining the U.S. Military Academy in West Point before starting his Army career. “The army was breaking us down to our most basic forms, educating us on how to be leaders,” Smiley said. While the stress continued to increase and there were times he wanted to give up, he realized he couldn’t do it alone and had to join a team. “I had to trust my classmates,” Smiley said. Those 47 months flew by, he said, and before he knew it his responsibilities increased tenfold. By 23, he began serving in active duty and was deployed to Iraq. It was tough to leave the freedoms we have here,” Smiley said. “I truly felt a purpose. Every day we helped rebuild schools. … It was my platoon, my men. I was beginning to build trust in my unit.” PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST After Smiley was blinded in the attack, he questioned his faith, but the team was by his side throughout his recovery, which gave him a renewed sense of strength. “I began to realize we all have a decision to make,” Smiley said. “We can either choose to be a part of the team, or not.” The team helped him recover and live more independently, he said, noting that he also continues to count on the support of his wife and three children. “I still had to surround myself with people I could trust,” Smiley said. While he said being the first blind active duty officer was an amazing feat, he knew he had to find a purpose and decided to become a military academy instructor. PUSH PAST ‘UNCOMFORTABILITY’ Smiley went on to complete an Ironman race with the help of his brother, who guided him through the race. While he felt like quitting the race at times, he said it was the help of his team that pushed him through. He encouraged executives to find people you trust who can build you up and lend support. Smiley said he plans to continue having adventures and push past “uncomfortability.” “That’s what I’m trying to do every day, make a positive change in those lives around me,” Smiley said. Read the original article here.