Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
2014 Medal of Honor awardee
In 2010, U.S. Marine Cpl Kyle Carpenter was severely wounded in the Helmand province of Afghanistan when he threw himself upon a live grenade to shield his friend and fellow soldier during a rooftop attack. Both were severely wounded but survived due to Kyle’s bravery.
Kyle spent nearly two years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He endured more than thirty surgeries to repair his teeth, jaw and arm and learned to adapt to the loss of his right eye, but he keeps his personal experience in perspective. ”I’m still here and kicking, and I have all my limbs, so you’ll never hear me complain!”
Sentinels of Freedom’s journey with Kyle began before his discharge from Walter Reed. Mike Conklin, Sentinels of Freedom Chairman and CEO, met Kyle and started to formulate a plan for his life after the military. Mike helped him navigate through some early decisions concerning college majors, and career choices. “I knew when I met him that he would be the perfect fit for our program: motivated, driven, and focused.”
In 2013, Sentinels of Freedom awarded Kyle a four year scholarship for undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina. This scholarship helped alleviate the everyday stresses of life in the form of rent payments, mentorships, budgeting assistance and personal support. “SOF has truly been a blessing in my life and has helped comfort me… they have put me in a better position to be successful in life and for my next endeavor and future mission whatever that may be.”
In June 2014, Kyle received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, only the third Marine to receive the Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike, again, was there to witness the amazing occasion. The Medal of Honor is the country’s highest award for valor; fewer than twenty have been awarded across all services for recent combat in these regions.
In December of 2017, Kyle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Mike was so proud to attend Kyle’s graduation as he completed his first stage in his post-military life. SOF continues to stand by Kyle’s side as he ventures into the professional world. The mentorship, and professional introductions will help change Kyle’s future forever.
“SOF truly gives back and says thanks to those that sacrifice so much. When I get phone calls from SOF, it is not just about business and school… it’s about “how’s Kyle doing? It’s about me, it’s personal; they truly do care.”
Sentinel Kyle Carpenter – United States Marine Corps
We look forward to seeing Kyle at our Annual Gala on April 14, at the Blackhawk Museum. For more information about Sentinels of Freedom, or to attend the Gala, please visit sentinelsoffreedom.org.
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