Only a small number of soldiers follow the path of Green to Gray to Gold. Tom was very proud of his journey, and the Foundation is proud to share it as part of his story.

In 1998, Tom enlisted in the United States Army completing Basic Training and AIT as a Field Artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (GREEN). In 2000, after an assignment to Camp Stanley in Korea, Tom was accepted for admission to the United States Military Academy. After attending the United States Military Preparatory School, Tom entered West Point in the fall of 2001 (TO GRAY). As a West Point Cadet, Tom started on the Rugby team, was a member of the Military Tactics Team, and earned his Parachutist Badge by graduating from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Tom majored in Military Science and graduated with his class in May 2005. He was commissioned as an Armor Officer (TO GOLD) and completed the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

To read more of his GREEN to GRAY to GOLD story, please visit Tom’s original blog: http://www.tommym1080.com/

Memorial Bracelets

Memorial bracelets became popular in the 1970s as a way to honor and remember POW and MIA soldiers during and after the Vietnam War. Today, memorial bracelets are also worn in remembrance of fallen soldiers and loved ones, KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tom’s family and friends have embraced the tradition of memorial bracelets, and many of us wear Tom’s name and KIA date on a daily basis.  The bracelets often serve as a catalyst for conversation, opening a door to share Tom’s story with someone new.

We would love to send you a bracelet. If you’d like one of our green, gray, or gold KIA bracelets — CLICK HERE — the Foundation will send you a bracelet at no charge. {Now also available in RED.}