Thomas George Shepke

I really don't know where to begin. In one respect, I'm speechless! (Of course, as those of you who know me can attest to, I am never ever speechless!)

I met Tom at Clark AB RP (PI) in the late 70s, but really got to know him during my last PI tour from 84 to 88.

He wasn't a big beer drinker or bar hopper but he definitely was a happy-go-lucky guy, always smiling, joking around and telling great war stories!

He was intelligent, inquisitive & adventure-loving & so the perfect travel partner! We had some fun times walking through the Bangkok zoo alongside a baby elephant, boating thru the local floating markets of Bangkok, stopping to watch crocodile wrestling! Maybe the best was shaking the gondola during the aerial cable car ride to simulate an earthquake as we dangled hundreds of feet over the Singapore straits!!!

Tom was also the main man working with me to organize our annual Clark APS/Air Terminal reunions starting some 30+ years ago. He didn't show up every year, sometimes skipping when he attended the MAPS reunion in West Virginia.

But when he did, I managed to bum rides from him & make some more goofy war-story memories during mini road trips to Mount St Helen's, Mount Rainier, Hoover Dam, Madame Tussards Wax Museum, etc.

Eventually I got "bumped" in favor of his two great brothers, Ted (RIP ) & then Tim! As a side note, I hope that Tim continues to attend future reunions so that we will still have a Shepke on-station/on-duty!

Ok, so much for the being "speechless" comment. I better finish this before I max out the word limit. But one final story...

During the first nite of our Sep '22 reunion in Destin, Florida, upon seeing each other after several years (due to COVID travel restrictions), I was giving Tom a big hug when he asked me a curious question.

He wanted to know if I would come to his funeral!?!


Although I'm loving this "typical-Tom" crazy question, I'm not sure where it's coming from. So playing along (), I said something like "of course, but not if mine happens first!"

Now, looking back almost 3.5 yrs later, I'm wondering if he was hinting at something or if it was just one of his crazy questions.

Anyhow, Tom, I'm sorry about my last minute RSVP but unfortunately, I will not be able to attend said event tomorrow.

But I will have you in my thoughts then & for a long time to come. You gave the country 20 yrs of service, you gave Maryland 20 yrs of service and you gave all of us, family & friends, a lifetime of joy, love and happiness!!!

We will miss you, buddy, but we sure as hell won't ever forget you!!! Luv yah, man RIP

"JJ" Johnson

Going to miss you, Tom

A great friend who always had a joke and a smile. We´ll miss you Tom

Great friend over the years.. always joking and will be missed by everyone he came in contact with.... RIP Tomaaas...

I met Tom at Cardiac Rehab in 2018. We became good friends over the years. He was one of a group of us that met for Friday night dinner each week.
After my brother passed, he became my adopted brother..he shares the name of my oldest brother (who had passed) and a birthday (& Airforce affiliation) with the one who left us in 2020.
Tom was a great kidder, always had many stories. He & my husband could talk for hours. He'd send me little videos all the time. I will certainly miss all his antics, but mostly the special friendship we had.
Rest in Peace, Tom.
With much sadness l say good bye.
Lots of Love,
Terry Voltaggio