About Tom
Biography
Tom, one of five sons, was born and raised in Laurens, IA, and was blessed with parents who worked to instill good character and a hard work ethic in their children. He received a fine education at Laurens-Marathon School from which he graduated in 1979.
In 1982, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy and attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. After 20 years of service he retired in 2002. During these years, Tom developed his leadership and management skills through many challenging assignments, which included serving abroad, shipboard duty, and on major staffs. Tom was witness to major world events, such as the People’s Power Revolution in the Republic of the Philippines, a historic 1989 port visit to Shanghai, China during which the large demonstrations and protests were taking place, and participating in Operation Desert Shield. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal (5), National Defense Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and various service ribbons.
After his retirement, Tom decided to put to use his two-year degree in Criminal Justice. Upon hearing of an opening on the Laurens Police Department, he and his wife Diana made the move back to his hometown of Laurens. He quickly worked his way up the ranks and was appointed as Chief of Police in 2006.
Tom firmly believes that good citizenship involves helping those in need and volunteering to share one’s time and talents with the community. While overseas, he participated in many humanitarian relief projects such as repairing schools in the Philippines and delivering school books, clothing and hygiene products to orphanages in Korea. Through the years he has been involved with helping local Boy Scout troops, organizing veteran’s memorial events and raising money for charities.
As a firm believer in the wisdom of our nation’s founding fathers and the example set by the hard-working pioneers of Iowa, he desires to return the state government to legislating based on the principles of the United States’ and Iowa Constitutions.
He is a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Iowa Gun Owners, and the Patrick Henry Caucus.