It was with heartfelt sadness that I learned today of our beloved shipmate Tom Manley’s passing this morning (Saturday, Feb 9, 2008). Tom’s son Christopher called me at noon to inform me of his fathers passing. Tom had not been ill and had not been in poor health. Mary woke up in the middle of the night and found Tom on the floor. This is all the information we have at this time. Information on the services will be forthcoming sometime early in the upcoming week.
Tom was a cornerstone of the Association. He was quite, reverent and genuine. Tom always had an attitude of perseverance. Both Tom & Mary lead the charge for Veteran’s rights and to get the names of our “Lost 74” on the Vietnam Wall. I know that each of you will want to know what you can do or where to send flowers, so Mary’s wish isn’t for flowers and donations but rather she asks that each of you contact the Department of Defense and your congressman and respectfully ask for their support of H.R 1172. The bill was Tom’s passion and he had great hopes that we would break through the barriers this year and make getting the names of our “Lost 74” on the Vietnam Wall. In his memory, please do this today!
A loved one that has finished their life on earth is not dead, their life has just began. They are still with us in spirit. That you must believe.
