![]() ![]() KT McFarland, Fox News’ national security analyst, was master of ceremonies for the gala which drew more than 425 diplomats, intelligence and military personnel, foreign policy experts, governmental authorities, and students. Flynn, Lieutenant General United States Army (retired) who dissected issues reflecting on the turmoil in today’s world. James Woolsey Jr., has been elected by the Institute’s board as the first chancellor of the Institute of World Politics. Flynn and former CIA Director James WoolseyĪt the gala, it was announced that former CIA director R. John Lenczowski, IWP founder and president, retired Army Lt. Cornbread also performed in the movie Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon. They have released several albums, including Flags of Our Fathers. Thomas, now a youth counselor and inspirational speaker, formed the band Cornbread. In 1993, Thomas and fellow Task Force members were involved in the Battle of Mogadishu, which is remembered in the book and film adaptation.Ĭountry Music performer and former U.S. He was a member of Task Force Ranger as a part of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. troops sent on a dangerous mission inside one of Afghanistan’s most hostile valleys. Thomas opened the event at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Wednesday night by singing the National Anthem and “Hold The Line.” That song was featured in the 2014 documentary, The Hornet’s Nest, which uses real footage to tell the story of an elite band of U.S. Mingling at The Institute of World Politics’ Silver Anniversary Gala was a hero with two very diverse careers: American country singer Keni Thomas, who was part of the legendary military operation now called Black Hawk Down, had first a book, then a film for which he served as a consultant. Photo credit: IWP photos by Cherie Cullen 30, 2019 will receive a copy of Thomas’ Book, Get It On, about heroism and leadership.Hollywood by Janet Staihar | on October 20th, 2015 | Dealer members who register by Friday Aug. Thomas will be available to sign autographs during the NTDA Exhibition on Thursday, Oct. Check out one of Thomas’ songs, “ Hold The Line,” available on YouTube. Thomas’ music can be heard on country stations throughout the U.S. He has also been a guest on numerous national news programs as a military analyst.ĭespite all this, probably what Thomas is most proud of is his appointment as national spokesman for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation that provides college educations to the children of special operations personnel killed in combat. Thomas was also the military advisor for the Mel Gibson movie, We Were Soldiers, just as he was for the movie Black Hawk Down. Thomas and his band, Cornbread, were featured in the movie Sweet Home Alabama, starring Reese Witherspoon, and he portrayed himself on the TV show, Louie, which took place in a fictionalized USO visit to Afghanistan. He quickly established himself as an award-winning recording artist and songwriter and has made several appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. ![]() Parachutist rating with over 400 military free-fall jumps. After his soldiering days were over, Thomas headed to Nashville to pursue his music career. He became an assistant team leader for a six-man ranger reconnaissance team and earned his master Fight as you train.” He will also instruct you how to “lead the way” in impacting those around you.Īfter Mogadishu, Staff Sergeant Thomas volunteered for one more enlistment in the Army. Thomas will inspire you to strive for greatness with the message of: “Train as you fight. Thomas will captivate you with his story of sacrifice and heroism, retelling how he and fellow rangers fought desperately to save as many of their fellow soldiers as possible. Thomas has since received the Bronze Star for Valor. Tragically, 18 Americans were killed and 73 wounded during the Battle of Mogadishu, the deadliest urban combat American soldiers engaged in since World War II. Thomas and his fellow rangers distinguished themselves in an 18-hour firefight that was later recounted in the book and film, Black Hawk Down. Their mission was to find andĬapture terrorist and warlord, Mohammed Farrah Aidid. In 1993, then Staff Sergeant Thomas was deployed to Mogadishu Somalia with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, part of an elite special ops group called Task Force Ranger. Registration and housing will open in April 2019. 9–11, 2019, at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL. The 29th Annual NTDA Convention will be held Oct. Meet your 29th Annual NTDA Convention Keynote Presenter Keni Thomas of Black Hawk Down fame. ![]()
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