Three words. That’s all it took.
"I was writing a letter home to my mom when the call rang out across the American compound: 'Get it on!' And just like that, the course of my life changed forever.”
Decorated U.S. military veteran-turned-country music star 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 life’s greater purpose.
Get It On! reminds readers “that we, as individuals, do indeed matter, that we are anything but ordinary, fully capable of carrying out life-changing assignments at any level and in any situation. We can make a difference in this world.”
Today, Keni carries a guitar instead of a rifle and has shared his stories from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to overseas concerts for active soldiers, always passionate about the battle that “still shapes my thoughts on a daily basis.” Here, he writes to encourage the absolute best in those who are willing to answer whatever call God places on their lives.
Keni Thomas was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge from the United States Army and fought the “Black Hawk Down” battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. He has since become an award-winning country musician and is the spokesperson for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the “Hero Fund.” Inspired by Isaiah 6:8 (“Here am I; send me”), Keni also speaks to students and adults around the country about leadership, encouraging them to “Train as you fight. Fight as you train.”
"Keni shows us that the principles of leadership we learned when we wore the uniform still apply to us all out here in the real world. It is through the example we set, and by the grace of God that we can still make a difference and continue to live purposeful and meaningful lives."
- Lt Col Oliver L. North USMC (retired)
