Bestselling Author Montalván, Disabled U.S. Army Veteran, to Give Two Public Talks at UF

Former U.S. Army Captain Luis Carlos Montalván, an award-winning New York Times bestselling author, speaker and advocate, will give two presentations during his visit to The University of Findlay later this month. The community is invited to attend. Admission is free. Accompanying him will be his service dog, Tuesday.
Montalván served more than 17 years of military service, including multiple tours in Iraq, which earned him two bronze stars, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor and the Combat Action Badge, along with numerous other honors.
In January 2013, “Until Tuesday” was on the New York Times Bestseller List for the third time in three consecutive years. In 2012, the inspirational memoir earned the USA Best Book Award in the Autobiography/Memoir and Audiobook Nonfiction categories and was an International Latino Book Award finalist. Also in 2012, for narration of “Until Tuesday,” Montalván was a finalist for the Audio Publishers Association Audie Award beside four other nominees, including Tina Fey and Michael Moore.
Montalván offers more information in the “Until Tuesday” trailer.
 Montalván is also the recipient of a 2011 Voice Award and the 2011 Invisible Hero Honor Award for his efforts to educate the public about trauma and the real experiences of veterans and people with disabilities.
“Tuesday Tucks Me In” won three International Latino Book Award in June 2015 at the 17^th Annual Latino Book Awards and American Library Association’s Conference and Exhibition. Montalván’s written work has also been featured in publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times, Boston Globe and Military Review. He and Tuesday have been featured on NPR, CNN, CSPAN, National Geographic and the Late Show with David Letterman.
Montalván describes his disability advocacy, enabled by Tuesday, as a “spiritual restoration.”
“It took me a long time for me to realize that I’m the ‘D’ word, that I’m disabled,” he said. But he noted “we’re all destined to be disabled if you live long enough,” and it is therefore our responsibility to become more informed about what it means to live with physical and mental limitations.
On Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mazza Museum, Montalván will read from his children’s book, “Tuesday Tucks Me In,” and lead a discussion with the children regarding the importance of service animals. Afterward, Montalván will meet attendees and sign copies of his book, which are available for sale in the Mazza Gift Shop through Oct. 22. The Mazza Museum is located in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion on The University of Findlay’s campus. If using a navigation system, type in 201 College Street. Parking (including handicap accessibility) is available directly in front of the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 in Winebrenner Theological Seminar’s TLB Auditorium, Montalván will share his story that inspired the book, “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever who Saved Him.” Both of his books will be available for purchase. He will also sign books and visit after the program.
Montalván’s books will be available for purchase through Oct. 24 in the Oiler Mart located in the Alumni Memorial Union, and UF Bookstore at 1330 N. Main St., prior to and during his visit.
Montalván’s and Tuesday’s visits are being funded by the John & Patty Luther Visiting Artist Endowment Fund for the Mazza Museum, UF’s Offices of Disability Services, Student Activities and Commuter Services, Leadership Development and Campus Program Board, the latter of which is a student-led group that strives to bring high-quality, diverse entertainment to campus. Call (419) 434-4606 for more information.
To learn more about Montalván, visit his website at www.luiscarlosmontalvan.com.