Medal of Honor Recipient to Speak at VMI

Retired Marine Cpl. William 'Kyle' Carpenter to appear for moderated interview as part of leadership lecture series.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Medal of Honor recipient, retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William 'Kyle' Carpenter, will appear for a moderated interview at Virginia Military Institute on March 9, 2026. The event is part of the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics' H.B. Johnson, Class of 1926 Distinguished Lecture Series and Courageous Leadership Speaker series.

Why it matters

Carpenter's appearance supports VMI's 2025-26 leadership theme, 'American Values,' which explores honor, integrity, service, and character as the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary. As the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, Carpenter's story of heroism and resilience is expected to inspire the VMI community and the public.

The details

Carpenter will be interviewed in Cameron Hall at VMI on March 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Carpenter lost his right eye and has had over 40 surgeries after throwing himself on a grenade to save a fellow Marine in Afghanistan in 2010. He is the author of 'You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,' which will be available for purchase and signing after the interview.

  • The event will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Carpenter received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama in 2014.

The players

William 'Kyle' Carpenter

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. and Medal of Honor recipient who will be the featured speaker at the event.

VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics

The organizer of the H.B. Johnson, Class of 1926 Distinguished Lecture Series and Courageous Leadership Speaker series where Carpenter will appear.

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What’s next

Copies of Carpenter's book 'You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For' will be available for purchase and signing after the interview.

The takeaway

Carpenter's appearance at VMI will provide the community with an opportunity to hear firsthand from a Medal of Honor recipient about the values of honor, integrity, service, and character that have defined his life and military career.