About

Commodore Kenneth E. “Kenny” Golden, United States Navy (Retired)


The voters of the Second District have an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to elect an Independent candidate to Congress who will work diligently for all of the people he represents. Drawing on his lifelong record of service, Kenny will use his extensive educational background and his independent, non-partisan approach to make the crucial decisions necessary on Capitol Hill.


Kenny Golden is a native-born Virginian, who has over three decades of proven dedication to country, commonwealth, and community. His 31 years of Naval service, primarily as a naval aviator flying helicopters, took him to a myriad of assignments around the globe. His service included four at-sea commands, 5,000 flight hours, two tours of duty at the Pentagon involved in congressional liaison, and command of the largest amphibious task force since the Korean War.


Kenny retired in April 2004, with the honorary rank of Commodore. Over his career he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Gold Star), Meritorious Service Medal (with two Gold Stars), Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.


Kenny also has an extensive educational background. He attended Ferrum College and the University of Virginia where he was a starter on the football teams, to include Ferrum’s National Championship team. He graduated from UVA in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also earned advance degrees from Pepperdine University (Masters in Human Resources Management) and the Naval War College (Masters in International Relations). Kenny was the first US Navy ‘Hudson Fellow’ to St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University in the area of strategic studies. He also is a graduate of the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.


Kenny’s service to country and community was further recognized when Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen nominated him for Secretary of the Navy. He also is the recipient of the Ferrum Collge 2009 Distinguished Alumni – “Dr. Benjamin Beckham Award for Public Service.”


Kenny is married to Commander Francie Sidor Golden, USN (Retired) of Denver, Colorado. Their daughter, Lieutenant Commander Tara Sidor Golden, USN (USNA Class of 1998), serves as a Naval Flight Officer in the E-2C Hawkeye. She received an Air Medal for 29 combat missions over northern Iraq.