Born March 21st 1948 in Luverne, Alabama, Tom was diagnosed with ALS in early 2010. When diagnosed, Tom was counsel with the Virginia law firm of Sands, Anderson, Marks & Miller and lead the firm’s office in Fredericksburg, VA. After growing up in Mobile, AL, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1970. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1972 and served in Puerto Rico as a station helicopter pilot. He was reassigned to Jacksonville, FL as a member of Helicopter Squadron 5 for sea duty and did 2 cruises aboard the USS Independence in the Mediterranean area.