Posted by John Comstock on November 4, 2007:

My time at the academy was short lived, but Tommie's spirit and contribution were not. It was an experience that was made richer because of some great people and Tommie was one of them. I think back to the conversations we used to have, rehearsals and the things we had in common. We both loved acting, writing and science fiction. I remember well the day I heard of his passing. I was in the L.A. area driving down the freeway and listening to the radio. Congressman Jim Dornan of Orange County began reading the list of soldiers who fell in Desert Storm. I never knew how it happened but when I heard Tommie's name, I was transported back nearly 10 years to the academy and the times we spent working together on Theater Arts Guild projects. He amazed me with his talent: acting, writing and directing skills. That he so easily straddled two worlds so different: arts and the military art was a testament to his ability. He impressed me then and even more now as I read what others have posted and now know more of what he did and how much he was respected after I had moved on. I was deeply saddened to know that he left us. Posting this over 15 years later, I'm glad to have a chance to add my voice to those of other friends like Meg Roosma and George Reed who knew him also.

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