Sunday, September 11, 2022
Although Tom left for the Air Force when I was 4 years old and lived 1000 miles away, he still had a profound influence on my life and the rest of our family!
I used to ask Mom, "How is Tom doing in the Air Force?" "Is he flying planes?" "Has he received any medals?" "What's he doing Mom?"
Later on I found out he went back to school to be an Engineer and I asked, "What's Tom making?" "Is he making stuff?" I bet he's making a lot of money?"
A couple years later I found out he got married and not too long after had Forrest and Erika.
Then I enlisted in the Army at summers end of '75. The next Memorial Weekend I flew to Denver for the first time from my duty station in El Paso to see Tom, Kathy, Forrest and Erika. I was on my own now and wanted again to know what Tom was doing? I had more questions!
I now could see Kathy and the kids too for the first time and ask Tom all the questions I had gathered up. I had a great time. I was there in person and sure to get the answers now, right?
Well, as I look back I realized what a mentor my Brother had been.
I broke it down this way:
We went into the Armed Forces after high school.
We went back to school to get our degree after our tour of duty in the service.
We each got married and helped build a wonderful family.
We had a very successful work career.
Yup, Tom had a big influence on my life for sure! I didnt get my answers that Holiday weekend. I received my answers a little at a time over all those years!
We will all miss you Tom and by the way, thank you!
