About the TK Scholarship Fund
The TK Scholarship Fund was created to celebrate the life and legacy of MAJ Thomas E. Kennedy. Killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on August 8, 2012, Major Kennedy was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a varsity defensemen on the Black Knight Ice Hockey team. He was a dedicated student-athlete, a cherished leader amongst his fellow soldiers and an outspoken advocate for those who needed a helping hand. MAJ Kennedy’s legacy lives on through the recipients of this scholarship by providing financial assistance to elite student-athletes who demonstrate leadership, dedication to academic success and a desire to train at the highest level in their sport. We proudly partner with the TPH Center of Excellence, who share in our mission and values.
Family
Tom was born on April 10, 1977 and grew up in New City, New York. He was the youngest of three boys. Tom met his wife, Kami, at his brother’s wedding in Atlanta, Georgia. After a second deployment to Iraq, Tom and Kami were married in May of 2008. They welcomed their twins, Maggie and Brody, in 2010 while stationed in West Point, NY, at the United States Military Academy.
Hockey
Prior to West Point, Tom played youth hockey for the Ramapo Saints at Sport-O-Rama in Monsey, New York. He went on play for the Ironmen at Don Bosco in Ramsey, NJ and then at prep school at the Salisbury School in Connecticut.
Leadership
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.
The Ideal Candidate
"Tommy really embodied what is was to be a great student, a great athlete, a great leader and a great teammate. He was always looking out for other people and always standing up for who didn't have voices for themselves." - Amy Kennedy, sister-in-law
The ideal candidate for the TK Scholarship Fund at the TPH Center of Excellence is a student-athlete that is dedicated to their academic studies, exudes a tremendous amount of leadership both in their sport and in their community and stands up for what is right.
"Treat everyone with respect. Be a good leader. Have a great work ethic. Solve problems. Be part of the solution. Lead by example. He always put his education first." - John Kennedy, brother
"TPH's partnership with the TK Scholarship Fund will encourage our student-athletes to live life the "TK Way" on a daily basis. We want them to know what it means to put others first, team first and family first, just like Tommy did." - Nathan Bowen, TPH CEO
TK's Life
1977
Tom was born and grew up in New City, New York. He was the youngest of three boys.
1996
Graduated from Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut. Tom served as captain of the Salisbury Varsity Hockey Team during his sixth form year.
1996-2000
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.
2000
Graduated from US Military Academy at West Point.
2001-06
Served two terms in Iraq.
2006
Selected to become a Tactical Officer at West Point.
2006
Earned a Master's degree on Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.
2012
Killed in action when a bomber detonated a suicide vest in Kunar Province Afghanistan. Kennedy was killed alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, Maj. Walter D. Gray of the U.S. Air Force, and USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei Abdelfattah.
2013
Shortly after his death, The MAJ Tom Kennedy Leadership and Learning Application Award was created at West Point. The award is given annually to a member of the Brigade Tactical Department who has made distinctive contributions over their tenure at West Point in honor of MAJ Kennedy.
2013
His #10 was officially retired at Don Bosco Prep in February of 2013 during a pre-game ceremony prior to the inaugural TK Cup game where a scholarship was also established in his name.
2018
The U.S. Military Academy Hockey locker room was dedicated in honor of former hockey player Major Thomas “TK” Kennedy.
2020
Innagural year of TK Foundation Scholarship being available to TPH Center of Excellence student-athletes.
1977
Tom was born and grew up in New City, New York. He was the youngest of three boys.
1996
Graduated from Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut. Tom served as captain of the Salisbury Varsity Hockey Team during his sixth form year.
1996-2000
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.
2000
Graduated from US Military Academy at West Point.
2001-06
Served two terms in Iraq.
2006
Selected to become a Tactical Officer at West Point.
2006
Earned a Master's degree on Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.
2012
Killed in action when a bomber detonated a suicide vest in Kunar Province Afghanistan. Kennedy was killed alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, Maj. Walter D. Gray of the U.S. Air Force, and USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei Abdelfattah.
2013
Shortly after his death, The MAJ Tom Kennedy Leadership and Learning Application Award was created at West Point. The award is given annually to a member of the Brigade Tactical Department who has made distinctive contributions over their tenure at West Point in honor of MAJ Kennedy.
2013
His #10 was officially retired at Don Bosco Prep in February of 2013 during a pre-game ceremony prior to the inaugural TK Cup game where a scholarship was also established in his name.
2018
The U.S. Military Academy Hockey locker room was dedicated in honor of former hockey player Major Thomas “TK” Kennedy.
2020
Innagural year of TK Foundation Scholarship being available to TPH Center of Excellence student-athletes.