Thomas Michael Martin

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by MAJ Eugenia Guilmartin on October 18, 2007:

I last saw Tom April 2007 when we sat next to each other on the flight home for R&R from Baghdad to Atlanta. I had taught his yearling "Intro to American Politics" and hadn't had a chance to visit with him since then. What a difference a few years made! Some new LTs leave West Point longing for the glory days of ceremonies and banquets. Not Tom. I could tell that the "Real Army" was exactly where he should be. In short, he was loving it. 1LT Martin was confident, motivated, and proud to share stories about his troops. He had innovative thoughts on tactics in this hardest of counterinsurgencies. He relished being in a demanding position leading combat missions. I encouraged him to come back to USMA to teach in DMI or serve as a TAC. After only a few hours of catching up, I knew Tom would be an outstanding role model for our young men and women. To Tom's family, thank you for sharing this exceptional leader with our Army and with the country. He will be missed very much. To Erika, your USMA family is thinking of you. You are another exceptional leader who is making a difference. So selfless, kind, and smart... "Be thou at peace," Tom. And my sincerest sympathies to his loved ones.

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