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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Adam Letizio

Chief Master Sergeant Thomas J. Puzzo was born in Miami, Florida, and entered the Air Force in July 1972. He attended Jet Engine Aircraft Technical Training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and was selected as Honor Graduate from his class. He served as a crew chief or supervisor on F-4E/G, F-111E, A-10, F-15A/E, F-16 A/D and C-5A/B aircraft.
Chief Puzzo served over eighteen years in the European Theatre and one year in the Pacific Theatre. In Europe, he was heavily involved in working with NATO forces in numerous joint exercises and contingency operations.
In 1991, Chief Puzzo deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Joint TASK FORCE PROVEN FORCE, where he served as the 7440th Composite Wing (Provisional) Inspection Section NCOIC, managing aircraft phase inspections on three different type aircraft from four fighter wings. He developed the requirements for and accomplished the first ever F-16 combat phase inspections in the United States Air Force completing 31 aircraft inspections in 30 days in support of the Gulf War.
In May of 1995, Chief Puzzo led the 494th Fighter Squadron as the Maintenance Team Chief to Aviano Air Base, Italy, during Operations DENY FLIGHT and JOINT ENDEAVOR, and set the stage for Operation DELIBERATE FORCE. There, the 494th Fighter Squadron was the first Strike Eagle squadron to employ the GBU-15 precision guided munitions in combat. While there, his aircraft launched on fifteen minutes notice to participate in the successful rescue mission for Captain Scott O’Grady.
In 1996, then-Sergeant Puzzo lead the 48th Fighter Wing, and the only USAF unit to participate, to Denmark for Exercise Partner-for-Peace COOPERATIVE JAGUAR, the first ever Partnership for Peace tri-service exercise, and laid the groundwork for this highly successful series of exercises that followed.
Chief Puzzo retired from the United States Air Force, after thirty years of service, in August of 2002, and immediately began work with Air Force Junior ROTC as the Aerospace Science Instructor for Salem High School in Salem, New Hampshire, where he continues to serve with pride and excellence, setting the example for young people whose lives he touches every day.
Chief Puzzo is married to former Megan Hardwick of Belfast, Northern Ireland. They have one son, Daniel, a graduate of Tufts University, and one daughter, Jo-Anna, a graduate of the University of Miami.