Suicide Bomber Kills Former New City Resident in Afghanistan

New City native Major Thomas E. Kennedy, 35, was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive vest.

Kennedy, who was based out of Fort Carson, CO, leaves behind his wife, Kami, and two young children. Kennedy was assigned to the Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. His branch was Field Artillery.

entered the Army on May 27, 2000 after graduating from West Point. He had just been deployed to Afghanistan on July 18.  He previously served tours in Iraq from August 2005 to August 20, 2006 and February 2003 to February 7, 2004.

Kennedy posthumously received the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. During his service he received two Bronze Star Medals; two Army Commendation Medals; three Army Achievement Medals; three Overseas Service Ribbons; the Meritorious Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; Valorous Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 4 Campaign Stars; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Combat Action Badge; Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. 

The Army listed his home as West Point. Kennedy attended Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ, where he played hockey. A former classmate started an online fundraiser for scholarships for Kennedy’s two children, who are under age two.  The campaign was more than halfway to its original $50,000 goal as of Friday morning when the goal was increased to $75,000. The fundraiser is scheduled to end on September 9, 2012.

Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, who represents New City, has two sons who have served in the Army.

“We did not know them personally,” said Day. “But as a family who, like the Kennedy family, have members who both served our Country in the Armed Forces and served as part of the law enforcement here in the homeland, we share a special kinship with them. We here will all have a prayer and good thought for Major Kennedy, his family, and his friends.”