About Tommy

In Memory of Tommy

On March 1, 1980 Thomas Arthur Foley the 3rd was born in McKenzie, TN. His parents were Thomas Foley, Jr and Emily Foley. He was immediately doted on by his great-grandmother and would be spoild rotten in no time.

A year and 17 days later he was joined by his brother David. The two were pretty much inseperable and were often mistaken as twins once they got a little older. They had their share of fights, as most brothers do, while they were growing. One time Tommy stuck a dart in David's forhead and another time David caused Tommy to fall and cut a gash in his leg. Anyone who tried to mess with one of them soon found out they would have to contend with both. They stood up for each other and later when their little cousin Dave came into the picture they stood up for him as though he were their little brother. (They spent a good deal of time picking on him too though!)

The two brothers graduated from Dresden High School in 1999. Tommy chose to join the Army after high school in the hopes of going to college and becoming a teacher. (Not because the Army flashed any dollar signs in his face as has commonly been quoted since his death.) After completing Boot Camp and AIT, Tommy was stationed in Korea for a year. He then was stationed in Fort Campbell with the 101st upon returning to the states.

After Tommy returned home from his stay in Korea he met and married the love of his life, Paulette. A little over a year later they were blessed with the birth of a son, Logan. Tommy picked out the name for the boy and named him after the X-Men character Wolverine. (Just goes to show you how much he loved comics!) Logan was the light of Tommy's life. He had written letters home from Iraq telling loved ones of his hopes to buy a puppy for Logan when he got home.

This is the last known picture to be taken of Tommy. It was taken a few days before he was killed by a photographer/reporter that was embedded with the 101st in Iraq. An Iraqi child had approached Tommy with the rose that he is proudly wearing in his helmet and the letter that he is displaying. The letter was saying thank you to the soldiers for saving the people of Iraq from Saddam.

Tommy's Favorites:

Comics (especially X-Men and Superman)

Fantasy Literature (Dragons, Wizards, Warewolves, etc.)

Writing Poetry and short stories

Spinach (believe it or not)

And last but not least... Friends and Family

After he settled at Fort Campbell, Tommy also found a love for Kereoke and playing Pool. He would spend lots of time at a local hangout where he was well known and liked.

Tommy, wife Paulette, brother David and a couple his best friends.

I wrote this poem for Tommy the day after we found out about his death. It tells a lot about who Tommy was and how he had made a lasting mark on the lives of the people who loved him.

Forever In Our Hearts

It is so unreal, like a dream we wish would end,

To think that you are really gone.

Through the fog of heartache, loss and dismay

We find ourselves trying hard to carry on.

You were always like a breath of fresh air

Each time you walked into a room.

Your smile and cheerful spirit

Would brighten the darkest day and chase away the gloom.

The world will know you as the soldier

Who gave your life for your country during a time of war.

You will be considered a hero by your country and loved ones.

But we can only hope they will realize that you were oh so much more.

Those who ever knew you will always remember

Your personality so full of life, love and caring.

You were a clown, a prankster, even sometimes the antagonist.

But, always, you were a person whos loyalty and love was unerring.

Those who knew you the most will remember even more...

The kid who loved the X-men and Wolverine and video games,

The fights with your brother and cousin which never lasted long...

And the wonderful husband, father and man you eventually became.

You were a son and a grandson and great-grandson as well.

You were a nephew and cousin and a loyal and loving brother.

You were a former classmate to the DHS Class of 99...

And a friend to so many others.

As for me, I will remember most:

Records for Frisbees, crashing the computer,

The key you should have never had...

And the hugs from over the shoulder.

We love you and we will forever miss you...

For in our lives you have played such a precious part.

You may be gone from our lives now...

But you will remain forever in our hearts.

Written By: S. Courtney