Thomas Mengesha

A U.S. Army veteran, Thomas Mengesha is an author with an extensive background as a mental health counselor. Presently serving as a Casualty Assistance Coordinator with the U.S. Department of Veterans, Thomas Mengesha works with primary and secondary next of kin in providing resources and information when a service member death occurs.

Mr. Mengesha also holds responsibilities with the department as a Public Affairs and Legal Administrative Specialist. He undertakes data compilation and performs studies in assessing Homeless Outreach operations and their effectiveness. As a counselor, he also provides employment services targeted to the needs of Veterans who risk becoming homeless. His professional background extends to leading a Southfield, Michigan law firm. He provided representation in areas such as family and criminal law and performed pro bono work such as enabling a veteran to attain a 30 percent disability rating.

As a Captain in the U.S. Army, Mr. Mengesha was stationed in Kuwait from 2006 to 2008 and served as Deputy Director of the Theater Rest & Recuperation Program. Published in his field, Thomas Mengesha authored “The Service Member's Guide to Deployment: What Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine Should Know Prior to Being Deployed.”