A former Marine credited with saving more than two dozen lives during a battle in Benghazi four years ago is set to serve as keynote speaker for the Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee's annual Lincoln Day Dinner later this month.
Mark "Oz" Geist, as part of the Annex Security Team, was one of those who fought back on Sept. 11, 2012 when Ansar al-Sharia militants attacked a U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. Two security contractors, a State Department employee and U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens died in the attack. Geist, who was seriously injured in the attack, is portrayed in the film "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi."
"We are blessed and honored to have Mr. Geist, a true American Hero, as our speaker for the dinner," said Carolyn Stricklen, chair of the executive committee.
The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 20 at the Charleston Civic Center. The cost of the dinner starts at $65. A VIP reception with Geist will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Geist will sign copies of the book he helped author, "13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi."
For information on how to get tickets, please contact Stricklen at 304-205-4310 or email KCRepublicans@suddenlink.net.