#295: Black Hawk Down Ranger Vet Singing on USA 250th Bday + Leadership Rooted in Faith

As we get ready to celebrate America's 250th birthday, it's a great time for an in-depth chat with Keni Thomas, who is coming back home to Columbus GA and Fort Benning to be the headline performer on the 4th of July. He's a combat veteran and famous Ranger who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu that left 19 Americans dead, as recounted in the movie "Black Hawk Down." He details what it was like in that crazy firefight 30 years ago...how faith in God expanded for him because of a fellow Ranger's challenge + his own book called "Get It On"...Biblical lessons to help others be better leaders...transitioning from the military to a successful music career in Nashville...and taking advantage of the platform from being part of a historic event.

Throughout the podcast episode, you'll here parts of his hit song "Hold The Line."

(4:10) After a brief bit about his band Cornbread...Keni recounts - in detail and stories - the world-renown battle in Somalia where 5 helicopters were shot down and they were out-numbered by the enemy 10 to 1, surviving by the grace of God. Was he afraid?

(23:29) Keni also opens up about being a lazy Christian, but other well-known combat vets helped him see why the armor of God is so important. He says so many Biblical stories have people taking action even if they didn't feel worthy/able, like in Isaiah 6:8. Send me! Jesus' example as a squad leader is what Keni uses to help people to serve and set the example for others to follow. Do it anyway!

(41:44) Giving a lil background on his "Hold the Line" song, Keni Thomas also talks about trying to make it in country music as a singer and songwriter, also what it means to come back home to Georgia and perform with his band at "Freedomfest" on Saturday July 4th, a free event at the National Infantry Museum: https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/community-outreach/freedomfest/.

(54:35) We close out the pod chat with Keni talking about teaching leadership across the globe, lessons learned (from life and the Battle of Mogadishu) and telling stories - like in scripture - about how you can fight through adversity and "terrible knowledge" to be an example of a servant leader: https://kenithomas.com/.

(1:03:19) I close out the episode in prayer. Thanks for listening to "Run The Race." Follow or subscribe on Spotify, Apple. Tell others about it. We'll keep telling these stories of faith and fitness!

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.