Col. Thomas L. Kennedy is the Commander of the 102nd Medical Group, Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. He is responsible for planning, implementing, and executing the wing's medical programs and operations. Col. Kennedy leads 74 Airmen in three duty locations, overseeing a $4.1 million budget including equipment, formulary and medical supplies. In addition, he organizes, trains and equips the group to provide medical support for worldwide expeditionary deployment.
Col. Kennedy began his military career in 1992 after graduating from St. John's University with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps. In 1994, he deployed to Haiti aboard the USNS COMFORT in support of Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. After being redesigned as a Public Affairs Officer in 1997, he completed deployments in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 1998 and Operation ALLIED FORCE in 1999. In 2013, Col. Kennedy transferred his commission to the Massachusetts Air National Guard, joining the 102nd Medical Group. As the Detachment Commander, he led the wing’s domestic operations medical response mission, including activations for the Boston Marathon and the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic
In addition to his military service, Col. Kennedy has 25 years’ experience in civilian law enforcement. He began his career as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in Springfield, Illinois, where he was a distinguished graduate of the new agent training program. During this time, he was awarded the Todd McKeehan Academic Achievement Award. In 2002, he joined the Suffolk County, New York Police Department, holding positions in the patrol, operations and detective divisions before being promoted to sergeant in 2017.
EDUCATION
1992 Bachelor of Arts Science in Pharmacy, St. John’s University, Jamaica, N.Y.
1996 Combat Casualty Care Course, Joint Base San Antonio Camp Bullis, Texas
2019 Air Force Medical Service Intermediate Executive Skills Course
2020 Air Command and Staff College, by Correspondence
2021 Air National Guard Squadron Leaders Course, Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Miss.
2024 Air War College, by Correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. March 1992 – May 1992, Student, Officer Indoctrination School, Naval Station Newport, R.I.
2. May 1992- July 1994, Pharmacy Division Officer, Branch Medical Clinic, NAS Moffett Field, Cali.
3. July 1994 - September 1997, Assistant Pharmacy Department Head, Naval Hospital Groton, Conn.
4. September 1997 – October 1999, Assistant Director, Navy Office of Information – Midwest, Chicago, Ill.
5. September 2013 – June 2020, Pharmacist, 102nd Medical Group, Detachment 1, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.
6. June 2020 – May 2023, Commander, 102nd Medical Group, Detachment 1, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.
7. May 2023 – Present, Commander, 102nd Medical Group, Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Army Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Life Member, National Guard Association of the United States
Member, Society of Air Force Pharmacy
Member, American Legion Griswold Terry Glover Post 803
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Ensign (USN) March 10, 1992
Lieutenant Junior Grade (USN) December 20, 1992
Lieutenant (USN) January 1, 1995
Captain November 2, 2008
Major November 2, 2015
Lieutenant Colonel May 27, 2021
Colonel August 19, 2025
(Current as of March 2026)