Posted by Jim McEliece on January 27, 2024:

I was roommates with Tom in the infamous McEliece-Ridenour-O'Leary room in F2 plebe year. The company upperclassmen were dedicated to running poor Frank O'Leary out of the Corps, at which they finally succeeded. Tom and I had to endure the presence of hostile upperclassmen in our room for endless hours as they raked Frank over the coals. We did not escape their hostile ministrations as collateral damage. It's a wonder we did not all flunk out due to the interruptions to our limited study time. I developed a deep fondness for Tom as a result of our common suffering. He was patient, kind and supportive throughout the ordeal. Tom and I were also "dragooned" into playing for the fledgling USMA Rugby team, a club squad sport at the time. We played all four years, attending the collegiate rugby championships at Notre Dame our senior year. We learned the true meaning of the phrase, "Give Blood - Play Rugby." I continued to see in Tom all the qualities of dedication, determination and grit the Academy seeks to instill through the athletic program. Tom was a devoted competitor and a joy to associate with over all these years.

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