With the 15^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks fast approaching, the Batavia Rotary Club will host a decorated survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack at the club’s Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, breakfast meeting at Apple Villa Famous Pancake House, 1961 W. Wilson St., Batavia

Ryan Yantis, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who was assigned to the Army staff as a spokesman on duty that historic day and was decorated for his actions, will share his story of readiness, resilience, responsibility and service on Sept. 11, 2001, and the weeks and months following. He will share how the lessons learned there can help better understand future crises and events.

Yantis was assigned to the Army staff in the Pentagon as a spokesman from 2000-2003. Since retiring from the Army in 2006, he has led two successful non-profits, served as spokesman for the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and now is the principal of SilverLeaf Leadership Communication, a public relations and leadership firm in Crystal Lake, IL.

At the event, the Batavia Rotary Club will be announcing that they are sponsoring Yantis and American Pride to visit and speak with students at Batavia High School during the day, and later at Batavia Public Library on the evening of Sept. 6, 2016.

• What: Batavia Rotary Club Breakfast with a Pentagon 9/11 Survivor Ryan Yantis
• When: Breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, followed by a 30-minute program at 7:30 a.m.
• Where: Apple Villa Famous Pancake House, 1961 W. Wilson St,, Batavia
• Visuals: Rotary and community leaders interacting with Yantis, and a presentation of art to Batavia first responders.
• For More Information: Contact Batavia Rotary Club program director Tom Van Cleave at 630-220-2736.

About Ryan Yantis

Ryan Yantis is an accomplished and award-winning communications executive with a rich history of delivering dynamic, informative and reflective multimedia presentations. He combines candor, humor and valuable information into customized themes and topics of interest related to motivational leadership, reputation management, crisis communications and personal safety preparedness. His reputation for compelling, engaging communications has positioned Ryan as a sought after speaker to corporations, universities, professional organizations and community groups.

As a survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon Attack who was decorated for his actions on that historic day, Ryan provides his personal account of duty, providence and overcoming challenges in the face of danger.

Born and raised in California, Ryan moved his family to Crystal Lake in 2003. He has three great daughters, an awesome wife, and is active with the Union League Club of Chicago, the U.S. Army Public Affairs Alumni Association, American Legion, and the Association of the United States Army. He supports many worthy military/veteran organizations. He is a founding member of American Pride, Inc.

About the Batavia Rotary and American Pride, Inc.

Batavia Rotary is part of Rotary International, and strives to foster friendships, promote equality and encourage tolerance and respect among people of all races, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Rotary Club began in the United States in 1905, through the work of attorney Paul P. Harris. Harris resided in Chicago, Ill., and envisioned a place for professionals from all disciplines to meet and brainstorm ways to provide services for members of their communities.

American Pride Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established by 9/11 survivors of the World Trade Center and Pentagon Attacks, to educate people and to bring a positive impact to the lives of all First Responders, military, veterans, and their families.