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Thomas McSWAIN Obituary
Born Dec. 29, 1945, in Lexington, Va., he was the son of the late Thomas Clyde McSwain Sr. and Isabel Sterrett Anderson McSwain.
Colonel McSwain entered the Air Force through Officer Training School in 1969 after graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. He served during his first two assignments as a Commissary Officer at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho and Anderson AFB, Guam. While on Guam he became the Chief of Services with a follow on assignment at Ellsworth AFB South Dakota as Chief of Services. Colonel McSwain then attended the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio and graduated with a Masters of Science degree in Logistics Management.
In May 1989, Colonel McSwain was assigned to Headquarters, Tactical Air Command as the Director of Housing and Services. Soon thereafter, as a member of the U.S. Central Air Forces' Rear Battle Staff during Desert Storm, he was the driving force behind food service, lodging, mortuary, laundry and exchange support for over 55,000 Air Force people at 25 sites in five countries across the Arabian Peninsula.
He retired May 31, 1996, as the Director of Services, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Colonel McSwain is a graduate of Air War College and Air Command and Staff College. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
He was president of Locust Hill Graveyard Foundation, treasurer with the Jamestown Society, and a member of Washington Assembly. He was also a 4th great-nephew of Meriwether Lewis.
He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Shepherdstown.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane Crane McSwain; two daughters and their spouses, Kristin McSwain and Natalie Rivkin McSwain of Boston, and Kimberly Check and Robert Paul Check of Poquoson, Va.; three grandchildren, Robert McCandlish Check, Thomas Jay Check and Anderson James Rivkin McSwain; one sister, Susan McSwain Lee of Chesapeake, Va.; five nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, Shepherdstown with the Rev. G.T. Schramm officiating. Military graveside services will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 308, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McSWAIN
Kathy Riley
October 24, 2010
Jane and family, I was sorry to hear of Col McSwain's passing. He was a wonderful leader and set a great example for a captain in the Services career field. I appreciated his down to earth view on life and his sense of humor. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Bryce Anderson
October 22, 2010
When I arrived on the grounds of the University of Va. in 1965, I met Tom and he became my friend,fraternity brother and the source of many good times. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jane and girls.
Mark Krueger
October 17, 2010
Dear Jane,
Cathy and I were greatly saddened to hear of Tom's death. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Tom was one of my Air Force heroes. I had the privelege of working closely with him at the Center. He was brilliant, and a role model for me. The world and the Air Force are a better place because of Tom. I apologize at not getting to the funeral, we were on vacation in the Pacific and returned home to find about Tom's death. You will continue to be in our prayers. We will miss Tom greatly.
Reed Craig
October 15, 2010
15 October, 2010
Dear Jane
I was greatly saddened to learn of Tom's passing and we all have lost a dear friend and a truly professional USAF Officer. Tom was a joy to work with both at Tyndall and then again during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Reed
October 14, 2010
Jane and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great boss when he lead us the Services team at HQ TAC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara & Bob Sampe Poquoson, Virginia
Stanley Guterman
October 13, 2010
Dear Jane, Barbara and I were shocked to read of Tom's passing. Our first thoughts were that he was so young. Then we remembered fondly all the comraderie and family pleasures we had in our early days of the Air Force Services Organization at Tyndall AF Base.We wish you the very best for the future and we so much regret the loss of one of the services finest officers. Stan and Barbara Guterman, Panama City, Florida.
Mike Wilson
October 13, 2010
Dear Jane & Family -
I have just received word of the loss of Tom - a dear Friend and magnificent leader. Jo and I send our deepest sympathy on your loss. We hold you near in our prayers. As we reflect on our time spent together with Tom - both professionally and socially, we feel a heavy, irreplacable loss.
God Bless
Mike and Jo Wilson
Chuck Milam
October 13, 2010
Dear Jane and Family,
On behalf of the men and women of Air Force Services, I wanted to express my deepest condolences on the loss of Tom. He was indeed an important and highly respected member of the Air Force Services team. He was a true pioneer who made a lasting impact for us that continues to this day. He understood the importance of our mission and always took care of our Airmen and their families. He brought much happiness to the Air Force people he worked with and to those he served. We will miss him. Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Milam
Director of Air Force Services
October 12, 2010
Dear Ms Jane & Family
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you bid farewell to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, Air Force leader and more. Col McSwain made a huge impact on our Air Force and Services Team and his legacy will continue to mold our future leaders. Very Respectfully, Kim T
richard lugent
October 12, 2010
Dear Jane & Family, Carmen & My thoughts are with you and yours during these trying days. Tom was one of the great ones in Services and was able to help overcome many difficulties. He will be missed by many and many will show their appreciation. God will watch over him and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bles, Dick & Carmen Lugent
Mike & Vicki Filan
October 12, 2010
Dear Jane, Kristin, Kimberly and Family,
Vicki and I are deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was a true Services leader with a vision for the future. Looking back on our 6 1/2 years assigned together at Tyndall and Langley, Colonel McSwain's legacy is clearly his many accomplishments in improving the quality of life for so many Air Force people and their families. We offer our condolences and sympathies to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Maloney
October 12, 2010
Jane and Family, We were sorry to hear about your loss. As a fellow services officer I had great respect for Toms abilities and contributions to the services career field. He will certainly be missed and fondly remembered by many. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Jim and Marion Maloney
David Stinson
October 12, 2010
Jane - The news of Tom's passing moved through his "Avila" family with great sadness - but with great memories of our time together. Tom and I worked side by side for many years as we supported our client's needs. It was with great pride that I referred to Tom as my friend. Your family has my prayers.
Carolyn and Chuck De La Garza
October 12, 2010
Dear Jane and Family -
We were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing, and have been recalling many fond memories of our time together at Langley AFB. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and may God bless you and enfold you in His special love during this difficult time.
Charlie Johnson
October 12, 2010
Jane
My condolences to you and family, Col McSwain were my boss at HQ TAC when I retired after 30 years of service. God bless.
Todd Balawajder
October 12, 2010
Jane and family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and loss. Tom made the Air Force a better place.
Todd, Clare and Andrew Balawajder
Dave Mickler
October 11, 2010
Jane & Family,
Please know that you are in our prayers as you go through the grieving process. Tom was a great leader and mentor to many. He will be missed.
Dave & Barbara Mickler
Hagop Avedissian
October 11, 2010
Dear Jane and family,
My condolences on Tom's passing. I remember fondly the good times spent at gatherings after work. I'll also cherish all that Tom taught me as we were standing up a new company. He was a good mentor and friend. May God rest his soul.
October 11, 2010
Jane and family, my condolence to all of you and hope that the memories of Col McSwain bring you peace. He was a great boss at HQ TAC and gave me my start in civil service. I am forever grateful. God bless. Jim Finch
Gary Metzinger
October 10, 2010
Jane,
My first memories of Tom are when he replaced me as Chief of Services, Osan AB, Korea, June 1979. I went to PACAF HQ to work for Col Yee. Tom was a mover and a shaker and I always admired his wisdom, tenacity and good humor. He was a true friend and he will always live on in my memory as a model Services professional. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you.
October 10, 2010
Jane and Family,
Melanie and I send our deepest sympathies. Tom was a great boss and friend. We have good memories of our time at Tyndall AFB. God Bless.
Melanie and Bill Brady
San Antonio, TX
Norbert Cheri
October 10, 2010
Jane and Family
Praying for you and wishing you peace at this time 0f deep and personal sadness.
Kathleen and Jesse Bowman Estrada
October 10, 2010
To the McSwain Family, It is with a heavy heart I join my fellow AF Services Alumni to tell you what a passionate, compassionate leader, mentor, and friend Col Tom McSwain was to all who were privileged to serve alongside. Our Lord's angels have met him at the gate to everlasting glory and for you I ask the Lord's comfort and blessing.
With sincerest sympathy,
Kathleen Bowman Estrada
Lieutenant Colonel (retired), USAF
October 10, 2010
A trusted friend, confident and soldier.
He will be missed!
Col (ret) Steve Glantz, Phoenix
Gary and Susan Bradham
October 10, 2010
Jane and Family,
Susan's and my thoughts are with you and your families in this time of grief. Tom was an inspiration and leader to me and others in the Services Career field and fellow airmen. I am honored to have known him and called him "Sir", boss, friend, and colleague. Tom will truly be missed!
October 9, 2010
Dear Jane,
Ron and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Tom's passing. Ron talked often of his work with Tom in the Services field. We are thinking of your family and keeping you in our prayers. Lucy and Ron Stump
October 9, 2010
Tom was truly a dedicated, committed and admired USAF Officer and a staunch advocate for the Services careerfield as it bloomed; low those many years ago. I count myself blessed to have been able to seek and obtain his advise/counsel on numerous occasions. Our prayers are with the entire family; may he now rest joyfully in eternal peace. He will most assuredly be missed. With deep sympathy, John Fortner (Lynn Haven, FL)
Wes Ardis
October 9, 2010
Jane Crain McSwain,
We are deeply sorry for your loss...we go back a long ways with you and Tom--Memories we continue to treasure.Our prayers are with you and the family at this time of sorrow. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Wes & Fatima Ardis
Louis Proper
October 9, 2010
Jane and Family. It is with heavy heart I heard about Tom yesterday. We have posted his information on the Air Force Services Society website for our members enlightenment. The time I spent at HQ ACC with him as a boss and you to mellow him were great years. You are all in my prayers. Lt Col Lou Proper. Gloucester VA.
Jim Vernon
October 9, 2010
Jane,
I have the grandest memories of our "back door neighbors" at Langley and the "five star" meals we had at the McSwains! I am so sorry you are without your best friend, but he waits for you when your turn on earth is finished. We loved you both like none others. I have such respect for Tom's always professional approach to everything he did. It is impossible for me to say Tom and Jane McSwain with out smiling!
May God Bless and Comfort you with His love and your family and friends.
Jim Vernon
David Honeycutt
October 9, 2010
Just heard the news today of Tom's passing. I truly regret that we could not be there to offer our condolences to Jane, Kristin and Kimberly and their families. Tom has been a career contemporary and a good friend since his initial assignment in the USAF in 1969. Our hearts are heavy and we will certainly mourn his loss, but we shall also take solace in recalling the many wonderful memories of good times shared with Tom and Jane. In particular, our memories of the good times we shared at Tyndall AFB will always be at the top of our list. Tom's departure from this earth may signal the beginning of the end of an era of young Services lieutenants from the 1960s who stayed the course to become the Senior Services Leaders of the 1990s. I pray that Tom will waste little time in preparing a place for all of us to be together again in the Eternal Chapter of the Society of Services Officers (S.O.S.O.)
Rose & Ed Oliver
October 9, 2010
Jane and Family,
Thanks for taking our call yesterday Jane and know that you and your family are in our prayers. I had the honor of working with Tom while we all were at Tyndall AFB FL and was so happy when he joined our Air Force Services Society. He will be missed and remembered by many. Tom is resting with God now and knows the love and happiness being home with many loved ones. Thanks for your friendship over the past 26 years.
Dick & Judy Tessier
October 9, 2010
Please accept our most sincere condolences on Tom's passing. He was an outstanding officer, an upstanding man and a good friend. I will miss him. he will be in our prayers. Dick and Judy Tessier, (Bluffton, SC)
Boyd Duncan
October 9, 2010
Jane,
Adrian and I were saddened at your loss. Prayers for Tom will be said during both services at Emmanuel tomorrow. Please accept our condolences and our prayers during this trying time.
Warren Macy
October 9, 2010
Col. God Bless! Condolences To your family. Services was a better place with leaders like you. You will be missed.
Dan Awalt
October 9, 2010
Colonel McSwain was a wonderful person and a great boss and mentor to me when we served at HQ/TAC. He will be missed by our Air Force Services family.
CMSgt Dan Awalt, Florida
October 9, 2010
Please accept our heartfelt condolences...Tom was an inspirational leader and a great American. Cless Allman & Family, Kaiserslautern, Germany
Earnie and Donna Robbins
October 8, 2010
Jane and Family
Tom and you have been kind and dear to us from the beginning. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with you. We just arrived in Dubai last night so we can't be there Saturday, but our thoughts and love will be.
Bev and Al Perrie
October 8, 2010
Jane and family,
We are all going to miss Tom - he was a special person and a true friend. Our prayers are with you all.
Bob & Betty Swaney
October 8, 2010
Heartfelt condolences. It was 34 years ago that our paths first crossed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Worley
October 8, 2010
Col McSwain was an inspiration to me throughout my long Services career. I can remember the career advice he gave me when I was a Captain. Our prayers will remember you all.
October 8, 2010
Jane and family--Chris and I send our condolences on the passing of Tom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Tom & Chris Booth
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