Marine, Medal Of Honor Recipient, To Speak At Grunin Center At OCC In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — On Nov. 10, 2010, Kyle Carpenter made a split-second decision that changed the course of his life.

Carpenter, then 20 years old, was a lance corporal in the U.S. Marines, serving in Afghanistan. His squad was under attack by Taliban forces and during the attack, a live grenade landed between Carpenter and a fellow Marine. Kyle threw himself on the grenade to save his fellow Marine's life.

Carpenter is set to talk about his survival, his recovery and how he built a new life during "A Conversation with Kyle Carpenter," set for 11 a.m. Wednesday on the Main Stage at the Grunin Center at Ocean County College in Toms River.

In addition to in-person attendance, the event will be livestreamed. It is presented by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office in cooperation with the Blauvelt Speaker Series at OCC.

Carpenter became the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States, when it was awarded to him for his heroism by President Barack Obama on June 19, 2014. He was 24 years old at the time.

Jumping on the grenade severely injured Carpenter. He spent five weeks unconscious and more than 2-1/2 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 had nearly 40 surgeries.

During his recovery, he set several goals for life after leaving the hospital: to run a marathon, earn a college degree, backpack through Europe, and go skydiving.

Since his release from the hospital he has been able to accomplish every post-recovery goal and many more. He recounted his experiences in his autobiography, "You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For," which was published in 2019.

"Kyle Carpenter’s memoir of gallantry beyond the call of duty provides a vivid reminder that grit and valor remain American hallmarks," Gen. James Mattis said of the book.

Carpenter now hosts "The Kyle Carpenter Podcast," sharing stories of inspirational individuals and using the platform to "expand upon perspectives through meaningful conversations regarding leadership, adversity, and finding a joyful purpose in life."

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Carpenter’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.

Admission to the event is free but you must register. Registration is available online through the Grunin Center.

The event will also be livestreamed. You must register online for the livestream.

The Grunin Center Main Stage is located inside Building 11A on the OCC Campus. Park in Parking Lot 2 and follow the signs

to the main door. If you have any questions or concerns, or can no longer attend this event, please contact the Grunin Center Box Office at 732-255-0500 or by email at grunincenter@ocean.edu.