Tharros Place, a nonprofit providing residential services for girls ages 12 to 17 who are survivors of human trafficking, recently announced that one of its board members, Michael “Chief” Carpenter, was named the 2025 Veteran of the Year in the Public Service category by The Warrior Alliance, an Atlanta-headquartered organization that works to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families. 

“I am so grateful to all of our board members for their commitment to our community, but this recognition of Michael by a statewide veterans’ organization is especially meaningful,” said Julie Wade, Executive Director of Tharros Place. “It is a great example of Michael’s character and a reminder that community service extends beyond the immediate ones we work with daily.”

In addition to serving as a Tharros Place Board Member, Carpenter is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer who became the youngest elected official in Pooler when he was elected to serve as Councilman. With more than a decade of military expertise and a deep commitment to public service, Carpenter has dedicated his career to driving meaningful change and fostering community growth. He lives in Pooler with his wife and three children.

The Warrior Alliance hosted its Fourth Annual Veteran Impact  Awards and Gala on May 22, where they shone the spotlight on the excellence of Georgia’s veterans and the incredible impact they are making in our communities. Georgia is home to more than 600,000 veterans and families that play an important role in strengthening the communities in which we live. Veterans drive a culture of service to others and exhibit excellence through their work and civic duty. The Warrior Alliance is recognizing these contributions by honoring veterans that have made a significant impact toward improving the lives of fellow Warriors.