Camp Corral Creates National Advisory Council

Raleigh, Feb. 15, 2017 -- Camp Corral, a leading nonprofit advocate for military families, recently established a National Advisory Council and appointed its first members. Scotty and Tiffany Smiley, founders of Hope Unseen, and Chester Elton, a New York Times best-selling author, are the first to join the council.

The National Advisory Council members will inform and advocate for the mission, goals and activities of Camp Corral by sharing their knowledge and expertise and educating external constituencies about the needs of military children and the impact of Camp Corral. They will also be charged with developing collaboration between key communities.

“The knowledge and expertise of these members will contribute greatly to pushing forward Camp Corral’s goals and core values,” said Mary Beth Hernandez, chief executive officer of Camp Corral. 

Scotty Smiley became the first blind active-duty officer in military history after being hit with a piece of shrapnel from a car bomb explosion in Iraq, which left him paralyzed. He has received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Wings and Combat Diver Qualification Badge. He and his wife Tiffany founded Hope Unseen in 2010 as a platform to share their story to help and inspire others.

“As parents to three sons, we understand the importance of a place where kids are free to be kids, away from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of military service members,” said Tiffany Smiley. “We are excited to support Camp Corral and the invaluable experiences it provides to children around the country.”

Elton is a No. 1 best-selling leadership author, internationally recognized speaker and employee engagement expert. He has written several books on leadership and organizational culture including “The Carrot Principle,” “All In,” and “What Motivates Me.” He’s been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and New York Times. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. Elton is co-founder of The Culture Works, an organization that takes an innovative approach to employee engagement and culture training solutions.

“It’s moving to watch the passion and purpose exemplified by the leadership of Camp Corral,” said Elton. “I am honored to join a team that is dedicated to transforming the lives of our nation’s young heroes.”

About Camp Corral

Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, is a free, one-of-a-kind summer camp for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen military service members. Since its founding in 2011 by Golden Corral, Camp Corral has grown to 21 camps in 19 states and has served more than 13,500 children. Although any child age 8 to 15 from a military family is eligible, registration priority is given to children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen military service members. For more information, visit www.campcorral.org

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Heather Ebert
336.553.1732 
[email protected]