Thomas Patrick Stack

Tom and I shared several beers while learning to fly the B-47 as our first operational assignment. Hard to find a nicer guy, always willing to help. I hadn't talked to him in years, yet he was first in line to offer me comfort when I lost my wife. Typical. God Bless him.

I had the privilege of flying B-52s with Tom at Walker AFB, NM, in 1965. He was pilot and I was co-pilot. The base newspaper did a story with a photo of us since we were both USAFA graduates. Tom was very professional and was a pleasure to work with. Jerry Smith, USAFA Class of 1962.

I treasure my days working with Tom and Karen for The Dolphin Project. Karen served as our treasurer for many years. Both she and Tom helped with our Education Outreach. Tom loved talking with kids at career day events like Richmond Hill Middle School. Tom was a sweet, dear man who remain in my heart as a very special friend. I miss him and our chats together.

Tom was my Class Leader while we were at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. He was great to be around and always set a good tone for our work and play time. I enjoyed hearing his stories of his flying experiences and he and his family were a pure joy to be around. My regrets include not keeping in touch over the year. You always knew Tom would come to your aid when you needed anything. We all lost a wonderful person.

Tom was a great friend. I only knew him a few years while we worked together at AT&T/Lucent, but it only took his handshake and a smile to realize what a good man and colleague he would be. I am a retired Army paratrooper, so we got to trade some humorous comments along the way, along the lines of "why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane."

Tom and I were roommates at the Academy, and we both were members of the varsity Gymnastics team. Tom was a man of great humor, true class and a real gentleman. I will miss him, and the world has lost a great man.