Medal of Honor Recipient to Give Keynote Speech on May 17th

We are honored to announce that Medal of Honor recipient and author Kyle Carpenter will speak with Guardian Angels supporters this May at our anniversary event in Pittsburgh. The Medal of Honor is our country’s highest military honor, and we invite you to join us on May 17^th in Pittsburgh to meet Kyle and hear his inspiring story of heroism and resilience.

A Story of Unmatched Bravery

At just 20 years old, Marine rifleman Kyle Carpenter made a split-second decision that changed his life forever—using his body as a shield over a grenade to save a fellow Marine during an attack in Afghanistan. The explosion left him with devastating injuries, requiring more than two and a half years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

But Kyle’s story didn’t end there.

He pushed beyond his injuries with unbreakable determination—eventually running a marathon, earning a college degree, backpacking through Europe, and even skydiving. In 2014, he became the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, personally awarded by President Barack Obama. His accolades also include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

Inspiring Others to Overcome and Thrive

Kyle’s mission now is to empower others to overcome adversity and live boldly and with purpose. His bestselling memoir, You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For, has been praised as a testament to resilience and purpose. He also shares insights on leadership, perseverance, and finding joy through The Kyle Carpenter Podcast.

Celebrating Life-Changing Impact

On May 17^th, we will celebrate Kyle and our service dog recipients – veterans, first responders, and civilians – whom we have helped over the past 15 years. We invite you to join us for this very special anniversary event.

The “Evening of Inspiring Tales and Tails” will be held at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Kyle and our other special guests at our VIP Pre-Event Reception from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM and hear his amazing story during our Dinner Program 7:00 PM -10 PM. Reserve your spot now—Click here for information on tickets and sponsorships.

About
Latest Posts

Mary Jo Brandt

Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen, and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and worldwide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.

Latest posts by Mary Jo Brandt (see all)