by guest contributor Janet Staihar
Photo credit: IWP photos by Cherie Cullen
Mingling at The Institute of World Politics’ Silver Anniversary Gala was a hero with two very diverse careers: American country singer Keni Thomas, who was part of the legendary military operation now called Black Hawk Down, had first a book, then a film for which he served as a consultant.
Thomas opened the event at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City Wednesday night by singing the National Anthem and “Hold The Line.” That song was featured in the 2014 documentary, The Hornet’s Nest, which uses real footage to tell the story of an elite band of U.S. troops sent on a dangerous mission inside one of Afghanistan’s most hostile valleys. He was a member of Task Force Ranger as a part of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. In 1993, Thomas and fellow Task Force members were involved in the Battle of Mogadishu, which is remembered in the book and film adaptation.
Country Music performer and former U.S. Army Ranger Keni Thomas
Thomas, now a youth counselor and inspirational speaker, formed the band Cornbread. They have released several albums, including Flags of Our Fathers. Cornbread also performed in the movie Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon.
John Lenczowski, IWP founder and president, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn and former CIA Director James Woolsey
At the gala, it was announced that former CIA director R. James Woolsey Jr., has been elected by the Institute’s board as the first chancellor of the Institute of World Politics. Keynoter was Michael T. Flynn, Lieutenant General United States Army (retired) who dissected issues reflecting on the turmoil in today’s world. KT McFarland, Fox News’ national security analyst, was master of ceremonies for the gala which drew more than 425 diplomats, intelligence and military personnel, foreign policy experts, governmental authorities, and students.
KT McFarland
In her remarks, McFarland said, “Today’s world is a confusing and complicated place and that’s where the IWP continues to fill the vacuum of leadership….It’s the only academic institution dedicated to teaching all the arts of statecraft including military strategy, the art of diplomacy, public diplomacy, opinion formation, strategic influence, intelligence, counterintelligence, economic strategy and moral leadership.”
John Lenczowski
The graduate institution, which has a current enrollment of 110, is located in downtown Washington, DC. IWP has launched a campaign to raise $10,250,000 — of which $4.5 million has been secured — for expansion of the student body and curriculum. The goal is to raise the balance by July 30, 2016.
