‘Black Hawk Down’ soldier tells Naples audience about 1993 ordeal in Mogadishu
When then-U.S. Army Sgt. Keni Thomas was in the midst of a chaotic life-or-death battle on the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993, the soldier he considered the “weakest link” in his squad noticed something none of the others had seen:
Two enemy fighters were about to fire rockets their way.
The young solider quickly and calmly took them out with a machine gun.
“That kid saved our lives,” Thomas told about 200 members of the Collier County Republican Men’s Club and their guests Friday morning at the Naples Hilton. “He believed he was bigger than just himself. That kid stepped up.”
That personal anecdote from the legendary Battle of Mogadishu — made famous by the “Blackhawk Down” book and film — encapsulated the message that Thomas sought to deliver to his audience: Anyone, even the weakest link, can be a hero and a leader if they believe in themselves and have a sense of purpose.
“When you understand how important you are, you will live up to it,” Thomas said. “Look yourself in the mirror and ask: Why am I here today? Put into it what you want to get out of it. …
“The measure of a great leader, and the character they have, is going to be tested when it gets tough.”
It has been almost a quarter of a century since the Battle of Mogadishu was fought. Nineteen Americans were killed and an additional 78 were wounded, and hundreds of Somalis were killed, in the brutal two-day skirmish.
Thomas tours the country as an inspirational speaker, sharing the lessons he learned in those two days about leadership, self-confidence and teamwork.
Thomas grew up in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida. His father, John Thomas, is a member of the Republican men’s group and a military veteran who lives in Naples.
In Mogadishu, where American troops were hunting down two Somali militiamen, working as a team was essential, according to Thomas. The dust in the streets made it difficult to see, plans were rendered obsolete when two American Blackhawk helicopters were shot down, and angry residents were taunting and attacking American troops with gunfire.
“We’re fighting for each other,” Thomas said. “I am my brother’s keeper. Alone, you’re not as good as you thought you were. Alone, you fail.”
Those words are critical on the home front too, according to Thomas. He is unhappy that political commentators repeatedly tell Americans the country is divided by political differences.
In the workplace, in school and at home, “it doesn’t work,” to confront problems without the help of others, Thomas said.
“You can’t get through this on your own,” he said.
Thomas has become something of a 21st-century Renaissance man. He is a decorated soldier, an author of a best-selling book, an award-winning country singer — he now lives in Nashville — and a riveting public speaker.
His talk Friday was both casual and polished, gripping and humorous, animated and provocative.
He even used his talents as a singer to hammer home his message. Pulling out his guitar, Thomas entertained his rapt listeners with one of his own songs, “Not Me.”
“Someone leads and and steps forward, when they’d rather say ‘not me,’ ” he sang. “The world becomes a better place when someone steps forward and leads the way.”
Thomas’ appearance Friday was the highlight of an annual event presented by the Republican men’s club to salute the country’s military veterans. Many veterans attended the event, 50 courtesy of the club.
“This is the biggest event we’ve ever been able to do,” club President Jim Carter said, referring to the large turnout.