Foil: 24 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 20

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Leslie Cervantes

Thomas M. Adams was born in La Mesa, California and grew up in that community. From early days he showed the traits that would characterize him throughout his life. His nature was to be a happy, easy-going and gifted child eager to please and eager to learn. He observed life carefully, participated enthusiastically and made many friends, to whom he was loyal and true over the long term.

Tom attended Briar Patch Elementary School, Murdock Elementary School, Spring Valley Middle School and Grossmont High School. At Grossmont, he was president of the German Club and the Future Business Leaders of America chapter, as well as playing on the soccer team and participating in the Academic Decathlon. Among his many awards, he was named a National Merit Scholar and he received a Sierra Club prize for writing in 1992. Upon graduation in 1993, he was named a Valedictorian for his class.

Through his early life, Tom developed passions for flying, for soccer, for complex tactical games, for creating structures built using an immense collection of Legos and for reading,. While still too young to tell the difference between a seagull and a pigeon, Tom could correctly identify and name every particular airplane at the airport. As a teenager, he joined the Civil Air Patrol and rose to the grade of Cadet Technical Sergeant. On his 18th birthday, he celebrated by skydiving.

His lifelong interest in flight, in things military and in a profession of honor led Tom to seek out and receive an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. While at the Academy, he received the opportunity to enter Naval Aviation as a Naval Flight Officer.
Tom related to his family that E-2C flight school was the hardest challenge he ever faced. He appreciated encouragement of loyal friends and the dedication of teachers and staff who helped him succeed. On completion in 1999, he was assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk in Japan to serve in the VAW-115 ?“"Liberty Bells"?” squadron, flying as a radar operator in the E-2C Hawkeye.

His final duty assignment was to serve as Air Exchange Officer to the Royal Navy 849 Squadron. It was an assignment that pleased him greatly. He loved British accents, humor, cheeses and beer. He enjoyed being near world-class soccer and in a culture that loved soccer as much as he did. Finally, the posting put him within easy travel distance of his beloved sister, Cari.

A friend from early school days has said that Tom ?“"retained a certain innocence -- a purity of character that is rare."?” His parents, his extended family and his worldwide circle of friends will miss that innocence, character, steadfastness and the wonderful sense of humor that he shared. He made the world a better place by being in it; he helped us be better people by being among us and treasuring us. Remembrance of his love continues to sustain us all.