Tommy's Story
The Sgt. Thomas M. Gilbert Memorial Foundation, or Sgt. Tommy’s Kids, was created to preserve the memory of fallen Downers Grove Marine Thomas Gilbert. Tommy was a dedicated Marine, an avid outdoorsman, and a role model to several young children in his life.
From an early age, Tommy loved being outdoors and exploring nature. His first love was fishing, and he learned to fish with his grandpa at Herrick Lake - the same place we have the Family Fishing Day today. He loved to take on new challenges: researching fish habits to perfect his craft, hunting with his dad, wakeboarding at his family’s lakehouse, mastering cooking skills with his mom, and eventually joining the marine corps.
Tommy was very close with his parents (Mike and Terri) and his sisters (Tammy and Trisha). He was quick to tell them how much he loved them, and to share that love with others. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but people naturally gravitated toward his kind heart and warm, fun personality. Tommy had a soft spot for children, and he patiently introduced several friends and cousins to his hobbies. While deployed in Dibjuti, his fondest memories were playing soccer with the local children.
Tommy once said that he wished all children had the same opportunities he did, and he wanted to share this love of the outdoors with more people. It was in this spirit that we work to try to accomplish his goal. Though he did not have any children of his own, Tommy’s family hopes that every child reached through this foundation will be proud to call themselves one of “Sgt. Tommy’s Kids.”
From an early age, Tommy loved being outdoors and exploring nature. His first love was fishing, and he learned to fish with his grandpa at Herrick Lake - the same place we have the Family Fishing Day today. He loved to take on new challenges: researching fish habits to perfect his craft, hunting with his dad, wakeboarding at his family’s lakehouse, mastering cooking skills with his mom, and eventually joining the marine corps.
Tommy was very close with his parents (Mike and Terri) and his sisters (Tammy and Trisha). He was quick to tell them how much he loved them, and to share that love with others. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but people naturally gravitated toward his kind heart and warm, fun personality. Tommy had a soft spot for children, and he patiently introduced several friends and cousins to his hobbies. While deployed in Dibjuti, his fondest memories were playing soccer with the local children.
Tommy once said that he wished all children had the same opportunities he did, and he wanted to share this love of the outdoors with more people. It was in this spirit that we work to try to accomplish his goal. Though he did not have any children of his own, Tommy’s family hopes that every child reached through this foundation will be proud to call themselves one of “Sgt. Tommy’s Kids.”
.jpg)
.jpg)
Below is an actual letter that Tom sent his parents after he left for college:
TO: MOM & DAD
SENT: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 11:58 AM
SENT: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 11:58 AM
Hey guys, I wanted to write to thank you for everything you have done for me lately. Mom, I know you have been patient with me and have handled me leaving really well, that I know of. You have stuck with me even though I might be changing a little because of school. If I do, I am sorry but I will always be your little boy. Dad, thanks also for giving me the ability to experience life and give everything a try. I personally think a true man has witnessed and experienced as much as he physically can and is able to say “been there, done that”. I think that I get that from you because I see the different things you have done over the years and always keep your mind open to all ideas, even when they are dumb.
|
I am really grateful for having parents that let me experience life instead of being a barrier in my life by telling me the things that I can’t do. I think it is easy to take parents for granted because sometimes they just irritate teenagers more than anything. I will always love you guys and look back at what you guys have done for me over the years, making dreams seem closer than I think.
|
"I hope I can let my kids someday experience as much of life as I have been able to, so they are well rounded in all aspects of life. " |
Not too many dads would give up time with their buddies to take their son hunting before I could even fire a weapon without falling over. Not too many moms would keep their mouth shut when their baby is going to be a marine and let them make their own decisions in life.
I hope I live my life to the fullest and never take advantage of the parents I have been blessed with. Also I hope I can let my kids someday experience as much of life as I have been able to, so they are well rounded in all aspects of life. If I am half the parents you are, I will be happy.
Love,
Tom
Love,
Tom
Tommy's Song
This song was written and performed by a good friend of Tommy's parents, Lance Johnson. As you will hear, Lance is a gifted singer-songwriter, who shares a great passion for our country and those who serve it. Lance was kind enough to gift this song to the foundation. Thank you Lance for this beautiful song!
Section divider type: chrisTrees --
position: bottom