"I will relay your thanks to Tom. He will smile and look humble and just say he was doing his job. :-)"
Sounds like a great guy. I have a special fondness for the military - -I had the good fortune (though I probably didn't realize it so much at the time), to meet many wonderfulemilitary guys, since my dad was a lifer in the Air Force.
He passed away 2 years ago next Feb, but was so very proud of his service (as were we). He had a ballcap that says, "Veteran WWII, Korean War, Vietnam". I'm so happy that my sister got that to give to my nephew when he's a bit older. We'll make sure he understands just how special that cap and the military is.
I'm glad Tom is home safe and think it's super he got to shake hands w W.
I'm glad to hear of your dad! All our veterans are wonderful. Sorry to hear of your loss though.
I do have an awesome nephew in the Air Force who is up in your area. He's actually from near Kennewick but stationed at McChord. He's just getting back there because he was assigned to be on the detail flying the president around during the campaign. He had dinner with me and some of my freeper friends up there last June and loves FR. I just wish he'd sign up and post! :-)