Thomas Koon Speelman Jr.

Thomas Koon Speelman, Jr., a retired Air Force officer, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on
December 9, 1946, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, he was the son of Thomas Koon Speelman, Sr. and Hazel Helton Speelman. He
was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Tom graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1964 before pursuing his academic journey at the University of
Tennessee, where he earned his degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics in 1969. During his time at the university, he
was an active member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, beginning an illustrious military career that spanned three decades.
Tom's service took him around the world, with his first assignment at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, where
he attended flight school. His skill and dedication to aviation shone during his time in Vietnam, where he flew OV-10 Bronco
aircraft. Over the years, he expanded his flying expertise to include the F-4 Phantom and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, earning a
reputation as a skilled pilot and leader.
In 1980, Tom earned a Master's Degree in International Relations from Troy State University, further cementing his commitment to the global reach and strategic depth of the Air Force. His leadership in the military was exceptional; he went on to serve in various high-ranking positions, including Commander of the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Assistant Deputy Commander for Operations of the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, Commander of the 40th Tactical Support Wing, and Commander of the 401st Fighter Wing of Aviano Airbase, Italy.
Tommy's contributions to national defense extended beyond traditional military roles. He served as a representative of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Open Skies negotiations during his time at the Pentagon, where he worked to strengthen international security agreements. His leadership was also felt as Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Officer to the Commander of the United States Air Force in Europe, and as Executive Officer to the Commander of Air Combat Command.
After retiring from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel, Tom transitioned to a second career with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where he continued to contribute to national defense and technological advancements. Tom was not only a distinguished pilot and officer but a devoted sports fan and lover of nature photography. He spent time photographing wildlife in the US, Norway, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and the Arctic Circle.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Speelman; his son, Scott Speelman; grandchildren, Anna and Zach Speelman; his brother, Steve Speelman; his niece, Whitney Speelman Wegendt, and brothers-in-law Steve and David Fralish and families. He leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and leadership.
Tom will be laid to rest with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery, where his life of distinguished service to his country will be forever memorialized.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Tom will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched during his illustrious career. May he rest in peace.