Major Thomas E. KENNEDY

Family-Placed Death Notice

KENNEDY, Major Thomas E. MAJOR THOMAS E. KENNEDY Major Thomas E. Kennedy, 35, a native of New City, NY, was killed in action August 8, 2012 in Kunar Province in Afghanistan. Kennedy was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Ft. Carson, Colorado. Tom was raised in New City, NY, and attended Clarkstown schools as well as Don Bosco Preparatory School in Ramsey, NJ, and the Salisbury Preparatory School in Connecticut. He was commissioned to the Army on May 27, 2000 after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. In addition to his most recent deployment to Afghanistan, Tom served in Iraq from February 2003-2004 and again in Iraq from August 2005-2006. Upon his return, Tom was selected to become a Tactical Officer at West Point, during which he also earned a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. As a decorated officer, he earned dozens of awards and service medals, including Bronze Star Medal (2), Purple Heart and Bronze Star Posthumous, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (3), Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star (4), Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. During his time as a cadet at West Point, Tom was a member of the Army hockey team. Upon returning to West Point as a Tactical Officer, Tom volunteered as an Officer Representative for the team and served as the President of the Army Hockey Association. He is survived by his wife Kami Joyce Kennedy, son Brody Thomas, daughter Margaret Mae, parents George and Patricia Kennedy of the Villages, FL, brothers, John Kennedy and wife Amy of Cumming, GA, George Kennedy, III and wife, Katie of Cranford, NJ, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Debra Joyce of Hong Kong, China, sister-in-law Kitchi Joyce of Atlanta, GA, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Tom was a loving and loyal husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, godfather, cousin and friend. His passing has left a void in all of the lives he has touched. He was a true American hero that will never be forgotten. Well done. Be thou at peace. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm, Thursday, August 16 at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, August 17 at The Cadet Chapel, West Point, NY followed by interment in the Post Cemetery at West Point. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Major Thomas Kennedy Children's Trust via the Kennedy's Angels page on www.youcaring.com. Arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home. 845-446-2868 or www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com