Fathers for Patriot Park

Tom was born April 6, 1978 in Elkins Park PA (just outside Philadelphia). In 1990, Tom was 12 when his family moved to Millville. He attended Rieck Ave. School, Memorial Jr. High, and graduated from Millville Senior High School in 1996. He was an Alter Server at St. John Bosco Church and worked at the High Street Acme from the age of 16 until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. Tom entered active duty with the Air Force on September 4, 1996. After basic training he was assigned to the 56th Transportation Squadron, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona. He served as a material control specialist and also was a member of the base honor guard for over three years. During his time at Luke AFB he volunteered with the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Air Force Aid Society, West Side Food Bank, and the Phoenix Fire Department. On June 1, 2001 he was appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In March 2002, he was assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico for training as a MH-53 Flight Engineer. On June 15, 2002 he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. In June 2003, after 15 months of intense training, he was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlbert Field, Florida. During his time in Florida he volunteered with the Navarre Fire Department. In September 2003, he was deployed to Africa, then to Afghanistan. On Sunday, November 23, 2003 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, his MH-53 Pavelow Helicopter crashed in the mountains after experiencing an engine failure. Tom and three other crewmembers were killed on impact. During his internment services at Arlington National Cemetery on December 30, 2003 he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal for his efforts in saving the lives of nine other persons on the aircraft. Tom is survived by his parents Tom Sr. and Patricia, his sister Susan Justis, and his niece Alyssa Jordan Justis. He will always be remembered for his ability to make people laugh and his willingness to help anybody in need. Tom served his country with pride and gave his life for what he believed in.