05/26/2026
On this Memorial Day, we are remembering US Army Major Thomas “TK” Kennedy of New City, NY Killed in Action on August 8, 2012 in Kunar Province Afghanistan.
Major Thomas “TK” Kennedy was raised in New City, and attended Clarkstown schools as well as Don Bosco Prep(NJ) and the Salisbury Preparatory School(Conn). He graduated in 2000 from West Point - The U.S. Military Academy. In addition to his deployment to Afghanistan, Kennedy served in Iraq from February 2003-2004 and again in Iraq from August 2005-2006. Upon his return, he 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.
On August 8, 2012, Kennedy was killed in action when a bomber detonated a su***de vest in Kunar Province Afghanistan. Kennedy, 35, was killed alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, 45, of Laramie, Wyo., Maj. Walter D. Gray of the U.S. Air Force, and USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei Abdelfattah.
Kennedy was a highly decorated officer, he earned dozens of awards and service medals, including Bronze Star Medal (3), 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.
Army Captain Florent Groberg would receive the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States for his heroism in tackling the su***de bomber.
Each year the Don Bosco Hockey Teams celebrates Major Kennedy by wearing a “TK” patch on their jerseys in remembrance as well as honor a player who exemplifies the leadership, values and attributes that made TK a great teammate, with the TK Award.
Major Thomas “TK” Kennedy is a true American hero, was the best of the Town of Clarkstown and we will never forget him and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸
