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Ohio (WTVG) – A northwest Ohio veteran nonprofit is preparing for its sixth annual awards banquet, with the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient set to appear as guest speaker
Task Force 20, based in Whitehouse, was founded on the idea that physical fitness can help veterans battling PTSD and depression. Since 2016, the organization has funded gym memberships, personal training and community events for veterans
The banquet will be held at the Glass City Center from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 12
The banquet’s featured speaker is Kyle Carpenter, a retired U.S. Marine who, in November 2010, threw himself on an enemy grenade in Afghanistan to shield a fellow Marine from the blast. He survived, and in 2014, President Obama awarded him the Medal of Honor at the White House. He is the youngest living recipient of the nation’s highest military honor
Jason Graven, founder and executive director of Task Force 20, said the choice of speaker is tied directly to the event’s theme
“This year, we’re focused on the 25th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11,” Graven said. “That’s why our guest speaker is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, and he was awarded that through actions in Afghanistan.”
Task Force 20 uses the banquet to highlight other organizations working to support veterans
“There’s other organizations doing wonderful things, and we also want people to know about them as well, because the veterans organizations really need to work together to address the veteran suicide epidemic,” Graven said
This year’s event falls one day after the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Graven noted that three milestones converge in 2026: Task Force 20’s 10th year, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the nation’s 250th birthday
“We’re really intending on making this a really big deal because these anniversaries only come around once in a lifetime,” Graven said
The event is open to veterans and civilians. Graven said the banquet is for anyone who supports those who served
“Regardless if you know who we are, if you love veterans or you love supporting veterans, whether you’re a veteran or a civilian, doesn’t matter,” Graven said. “This is an event that we think you will take a lot from.”
Ticket information is available here
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