In 2012 and 2014, Tom biked across the United States to raise awareness for fallen servicemembers and to honor Gold Star families. Returning home to South Carolina, he founded The Semper Fi Barn, a peaceful retreat w provides a safe, secluded place for veterans and their families to relax, remember, and restore themselves. It also creates opportunities to inspire and educate the community about the sacrifices made for them by members of every branch of the military.

Service runs deep in Tom’s family. His father served in the US Army in Europe on D Day and in Korea as an Army company commander, his son and grandson in combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Their example—and the sacrifices of generations of servicemembers—inspires his ongoing work to strengthen the bond between veterans and their communities.

Tom has served as chapter presidents for organizations such as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Rotary Club, and the West Point Society of Upstate South Carolina, promoting gratitude, unity, and purpose across all who have worn the uniform.
He often says, “When your purpose finds you, you can't shake it. I’m humbled to be able to do this because it didn't come from me, it came through me.”

He is married to Doris von Kaenel (daughter of a WWII veteran) and is the grandson, son, father, brother, father, and grandfather of US veterans.

 

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