KENI THOMAS

As a member the 3rd Ranger Battalion Sergeant Keni Thomas was deployed to Mogadishu Somalia as part of a special operations group called Task Force Ranger. Their mission was to find and capture a criminal warlord named Mohammed Farrah Aideed. Outnumbered 10 to 1, the men of TFR distinguished themselves in an 18-hour fire fight that would later be recounted in the highly successful book and movie “Blackhawk Down”. 19 Americans died and 78 were wounded.

Keni got out of the Army to pursue a successful country music career. He is an Emmy winning producer, a best selling author and still regularly tours with the USO to perform for our military personnel serving overseas. As an entertainer, Keni has been recognized by Congress and the White House for his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans and military families. Keni now travels globally as a motivational speaker. His message of servant leadership and teamwork inspires and challenges us to become the kind of leader others want to follow. Keni is very proud to be a national spokesperson for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which provides college educations to the children of our special operations personnel killed in combat or training. Keni Thomas is a graduate of the University of Florida, a recipient of the American Patriot Award and the Bronze Star for Valor.