Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 am., the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – in cooperation with the Blauvelt Speaker Series will be presenting, “A Conversation with Kyle Carpenter,” at the Ocean County College Gateway Lecture Hall.
While serving as a Marine rifleman in Afghanistan at the young age of 20, Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter’s squad was attacked by Taliban forces on the morning of November 21, 2010. During the attack, a live grenade landed between Kyle and a fellow Marine. In a courageous act to save his fellow Marine, Kyle threw himself on the grenade.
Kyle’s heroism resulted severe injuries; he remained unconscious for five weeks, and spent more than two and a half years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Kyle lost his right eye and most of his lower jaw and teeth, and his right arm was broken in 30 places. He went through approximately 40 surgeries during his recovery. Yet, during this grueling recovery process, Kyle’s spirit remained strong. He set several post-recovery goals for himself: to run a marathon, earn a college degree, backpack through Europe, and go skydiving. After nearly three years of recovery, Kyle was released from the hospital at age 24, and has since been able to accomplish every post-recovery goal – and many more. For his self-sacrificing act of valor, Kyle was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on June 19, 2014. Kyle is the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, our country’s highest military honor.
In 2019, Kyle published his autobiography, You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For. It not only tells the story of the events leading up to November 21, 2010, as well as Kyle’s ensuing recovery period, it is also a story of rebirth and overcoming adversity – how Kyle battled back from the gravest of challenges to forge a life of joyful purpose. In the words of General James Mattis: “Kyle Carpenter’s memoir of gallantry beyond the call of duty provides a vivid reminder that grit and valor remain American hallmarks.”
Kyle currently hosts “The Kyle Carpenter Podcast,” a platform which allows him to share stories of inspirational individuals and expand upon perspectives through meaningful conversations regarding leadership, adversity, and finding a joyful purpose in life. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Kyle’s military awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, NATO Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Purple Heart – the award for which he is most proud.
Admission to the event is free, but advance registration is required. The event will also be livestreamed.
To register please visit:
https://grunincenterocc.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SHq00000EFLkQMAX