Posted by Bill Merrill on June 13, 2023:

I recall Tommie Bates from his Plebe year in F-4. He was highly regarded by all classes because of his professionalism and mature demeanor. I remember that he was the natural leader amongst his classmates in all activities from plebe duties to unusual or extraneous challenges- clearly a resolute force to have in your corner. Tommie was one of those people who seemed to always have it together- no matter the circumstance. He personified "the rallying point" that Douglas MacArthur described in his farewell speech: "Duty, honor, country � those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn." Learning of his passing, two decades after the fact brings tears to my eyes! What a great man, and a great friend we have lost! I hope he can read this in Heaven and know that we respect him, that we miss him and that we mourn his passing. Rest in peace my friend! You have surely earned God�s Grace!

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