Henry James Kenny

Born and raised in Chicago, Hank graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1961. In 1962 he joined the 101st Airborne Division where he led a company into Oxford Mississippi to quell riots and confiscate weapons, helping James Meredith become the first African American to enter the University of Mississippi. Hank served two tours of duty in Vietnam and directed Special Forces training for that country. During the Tet Offensive of 1968 he was wounded and evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. As an amputee, he attended American University in a wheelchair, earning a Ph.D. in International Studies.

From 1969-1972, Hank taught in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. He later served on the Select Committee for Missing Persons in Southeast Asia, and he was with the first U.S. delegation after the war to return to Vietnam and bring home remains of U.S. service personnel. He subsequently served as the Special Assistant for Policy to Ambassador Mike Mansfield in Tokyo, Japan (1977-1981). Returning from Tokyo, he worked as a professional staff member for the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. He went on to serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and later as Vice President of the American League for Exports and Security Assistance. In 1995 he joined the Center for Naval Analyses, where he directed studies on strategic issues ranging from security in Asia to irregular warfare in Iraq.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hank was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He met his beloved wife at a football game during his West Point years, and together they built a life full of love and shared adventures. A mentor to many, Hank offered guidance and wisdom to all who sought his counsel, always leading with humility and kindness.

Hank is survived by Mary Frances, his beloved wife of 62 years; his children Frank Kenny (Lorie Logan), Susan Copsey (Matt Copsey), John Kenny (Julie Kenny), and Kate Gray (Alex Gray); his grandchildren Megan Kenny, Julia and Andrew Copsey, Patrick Kenny, and James, Marty, and Caroline Gray; his sisters Cathy and Marge, and a brother, Paul.

Throughout his life, Hank was sustained by his deep Catholic faith. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 20th at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean VA, with a visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. A burial service at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers please, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation (www.garysinisefoundation.org).