Featured Speaker – Keni Thomas – Blackhawk Down
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Decorated U.S. military veteran-turned-country musician Keni Thomas gives a personal account of his heart-wrenching experiences in the chaotic 1993 Battle of Mogadishu to express a unique set of leadership lessons and inspired view of our greater purpose.
“Blackhawk Down” is a well-documented and historically significant battle that has inspired Americans for many years. But what if you could hear the story straight from someone who was there on the streets that day? What would you want to learn and how could it help you? When you discover first-hand what makes soldiers willingly put their lives on the line for each other, then you begin to understand what it takes for you to do the same. If leading by example is something that is important to you, then you will want to hear what Keni Thomas has to say about combat.
Like no speaker you’ve seen before, Keni’s unique ability to tell an engaging story takes you into the moment showing you how the hard lessons learned during the worst of times, can make each of us a better leader, capable of greatness. “When lives are on the line, and so much is at stake, all we really fight for is each other” says Thomas.
SSG Ranger Kenneth Thomas
Ranger Kenneth Thomas was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his exceptional combat leadership and lifelong dedication to preserving the Ranger legacy.
During the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993, Ranger Thomas displayed remarkable courage amid one of the fiercest urban battles in U.S. military history. When his squad leader was wounded, Thomas took command, leading his men to secure a downed Black Hawk helicopter.
Outnumbered 10-1, he and his fellow Rangers defended their position for 18 hours under intense enemy fire. His actions, rooted in selfless service and intestinal fortitude, earned him the Bronze Star with Valor and reflected the Ranger’s sacred commitment to never leaving a fallen comrade.
Following Mogadishu, Thomas served with distinction in the Ranger Reconnaissance Detachment, earning his Master Parachutist rating with over 400 military free-fall jumps and graduating from the Special Forces Combat Diver course and Belgian Commando School
After the Army, RGR Thomas continued to champion Ranger values as an Emmy-winning entertainer and best-selling author. He was recognized by Congress and the White House for his dedicated work on behalf of our miliary, volunteering for numerous USO tours to perform for troops deployed throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.
A powerful speaker, RGR Thomas stresses the importance of servant leadership, using Mogadishu’s lessons to inspire audiences nationwide. His Downrange Leadership Academy translates Ranger principles to develop leaders at every level. His work with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Project One Vet ensures Rangers and their families are never left behind.
Ranger Thomas lives a life which honors the Ranger creed and exemplifies our motto: “Rangers Lead the Way!”