Keni Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Keni Thomas
Thomas performing at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in 2006
Background information
Born	(1965-07-01) July 1, 1965 (age 60) Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Country
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1996–present
Labels	Moraine
Associated acts	Blackhawk Vince Gill Emmylou Harris

Keni Thomas (born July 1, 1965) is an American country music singer. He was also a United States Army Ranger. Keni Thomas served in the Army during a mission in Somalia. This mission included the Battle of Mogadishu. Today, Keni Thomas is also a motivational speaker. He shares lessons from his time as an Army Ranger.

As a country singer, Keni Thomas has released several albums. Two of his songs from the album Flags of Our Fathers: A Soldier's Story were popular on the Billboard country music charts. He also appeared on the TV show Louie in 2011. He played himself in episodes about a U.S.O. visit to Afghanistan.

Keni Thomas
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1991–1997
Rank	Staff Sergeant
Unit	3rd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment
Battles/wars	Battle of Mogadishu (1993)

Keni Thomas's Military Service

Keni Thomas joined the U.S. Army in 1991. Before that, he graduated from the University of Florida. He served in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. He eventually became a Staff Sergeant.

Serving in Somalia: Operation Restore Hope

Thomas was part of a special group called Task Force Ranger. They were sent to Somalia for a mission called Operation Restore Hope. Their main goal was to capture a warlord named Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

The Battle of Mogadishu

The most famous mission happened on October 3, 1993. Thomas and his team were in the Battle of Mogadishu. This battle was later written about in the book Black Hawk Down. It was also made into a movie. Keni Thomas helped as a consultant for the movie. He also helped with the movie We Were Soldiers. Twenty years later, he went back to Mogadishu with another veteran. They filmed a short video about their experiences in the battle.

Military Achievements and Training

After his time in Somalia, Thomas continued to serve as a leader on Ranger teams. He earned several awards for his bravery. These include the Bronze Star for Valor. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Thomas was a highly skilled paratrooper. He had over 400 jumps. He also completed many tough training courses. These included the Army's Ranger School and the Special Forces Combat Diver's School. He also completed the Army's Jumpmaster Course and Pathfinder School.

Keni Thomas's Music Career

Thomas performing in 2006

Keni Thomas started his music career with a band called Cornbread. They performed in and around Columbus, Georgia. Cornbread became more well-known in the mid-1990s. They played at college campuses like Auburn University.

Albums and Movie Appearances

Thomas and Cornbread released several albums. One album, Flags of Our Fathers, was released under Keni Thomas's name. The band Cornbread was also in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. They performed the song "Sweet Home Alabama" in the movie.

Supporting Military Families

Keni Thomas donates some of his music earnings to the Hero Fund. This fund helps the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This organization provides college scholarships and money to children of soldiers who were hurt or died in Special Operations.

Performances and TV Appearances

Keni Thomas has performed many times at the famous Grand Ole Opry. He has also appeared on several TV shows. He talked about his book and his experiences in the Battle of Mogadishu. He has sung the national anthem for the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.

In 2011, Thomas appeared on the TV show Louie. He played himself in a story about a U.S.O. visit to Afghanistan. His song "Hold The Line" was featured in the 2014 documentary The Hornet's Nest. This film showed real footage of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

In June 2014, Thomas sang the National Anthem in Normandy, France. This was for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. He performed with the 82nd Airborne Division Color Guard.

Other Activities

After leaving the Army, Keni Thomas worked as a youth counselor. He also became a speaker. He gives talks to groups across the United States. He shares stories from his time as an Army Ranger. He inspires people to be great leaders. He teaches that everyone can be a leader, even if they are only leading themselves.

Writing His Book: "Get It On"

In 2011, Keni Thomas wrote his first book, called "Get It On." The book tells his personal story from October 1993. He describes hearing the words "get it on" from his Army Ranger superior. He then got ready and flew into Mogadishu, Somalia. He was one of the soldiers who returned from the battle. This battle became known as Black Hawk Down. It lasted two days and many soldiers were hurt or died.

Discography

Albums

As Cornbread

As Keni Thomas

Singles

Music videos