Keni Thomas "Hold The Line"

Country singer and combat veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment Keni Thomas has released his new video “Hold The Line." The video, released in advance of Veterans Day, illustrates the challenges faced by our country’s military men and women as they return home and begin to assimilate back to life with family and friends.

“This transition to a 'new normal’ can be tough for both service personnel and their families,” Keni explains. “The combat veteran is not the same person they were before they left. How can they be? But at the same time, at their core, they are still the person who loves you, who cares about you, who wants to be the husband, father, mother, wife, friend they were before. And to do that, they will need our help.

“So we will make certain our fighting force knows that we are here for them saying, ‘Welcome home! You have earned the right to enjoy your life. We have your backs. We have your left and your right. We will make you a promise. If you do your part and commit to the hard work of reintegrating into the real world, then we will do our part as well. We are here for you. And together, we will HOLD THE LINE!’”

In order to ensure an unprecedented level of authenticity, Keni and director Glenn Schweitzer enlisted the help of the prestigious Old Guard 3rd Infantry Regiment at Arlington national Cemetery. The video features Ed Salau,  who is an actual Army and Marine core veteran who lost his leg fighting in Iraq.  Combat footage is also included from the motion picture documentary  “ The Hornet’s Nest”. 

Keni was a member of Task Force Ranger as part of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and served in the Battle of Mogadishu. He and his fellow rangers distinguished themselves in an 18 hour fire fight that would later be recounted in the highly successful book and movie Blackhawk Down. He enlisted a second time and became assistant team leader for a six-man ranger reconnaissance team, earned his master parachutist rating and distinction as an advanced EMT, and completed the Special Forces Combat Driver Course and the Belgium Commando Course. He has provided military analysis for major news networks, acted as a consultant for the movies “Black Hawk Down” and “We Were Soldiers.” He is the recipient of the bronze star for valor and the American Patriot Award.

As an entertainer, Keni has been recognized by congress, the White House, and was recently inducted into the VFW Hall of Fame for his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans and military families. He is a national spokesman for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.