SOCNET

Go Back   SOCNET - The Special Operations Community Network > Legacy > Members Who Gave All

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #61  
Old 5 June 2015, 01:27
MixedLoad's Avatar
MixedLoad MixedLoad is offline
Been There Done That
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: US
Posts: 10,905
My condolences, Andi. Stick around, we're here for you.

Rest in Peace.
__________________
“Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re"
Reply With Quote
  #62  
Old 5 June 2015, 09:12
Sharky's Avatar
Sharky Sharky is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: SOCNET
Posts: 20,439
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelcoord View Post
To all who wrote me about SSG Thomas Rhoads - my hero and partner, I am overwhelmed by the outreach from the military community at his beautiful, awe-inspiring service at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies yesterday, June 2, 2015. But when I was tapped on the shoulder by a member of SOCNET who had come to the service, I was overwhelmed.

Your community was one Tom found the elusive camaraderie he'd known in his Team 555, and the solace of being present with those who knew. Simply that. I was happy he'd been a member of your forum, and it was yesterday, meeting Ace at the funeral, when I knew I wasn't alone.

I've traveled most of the day today to return home.
It's been lonely, to say the least - so thank you for "holding onto me" for now. It helps more than you all know.

Gratefully....
Andi (travelcoord)


Welcome to the SOCNET family, Andi.
Reply With Quote
  #63  
Old 5 June 2015, 11:13
KidA KidA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: WbyGV
Posts: 17,407
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelcoord View Post
But when I was tapped on the shoulder by a member of SOCNET who had come to the service, I was overwhelmed.
This is what this community does. It's an honor to be amongst them and, as others have said, you are welcome. Reach out if you need to when you need to, without giving it a second thought.
__________________
[SIZE="1"]Hey homo, its me -- Andy/SOTB[/size]
Reply With Quote
  #64  
Old 5 June 2015, 23:00
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
Gentle Men (because you are), brothers of Tom - I am grateful, beyond words. If I may, share Tom's committal service with you, it was awe-inspiring, and, at the same time, difficult to handle (understatement). The Patriot Guard Riders escorted our three vehicles from a suburb of Pittsburgh, some 40 minutes, to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. The riders formed the escort with motorcycles in front, and motorcycles behind. They flew colors, and funeral procession flags, as did we, so as to try to keep other vehicles out of our group. When we arrived at the National Cemetery, we were met by a Veteran's Administration rep, who briefed us in protocol. I had also had a call the day before from the Ft. Meade Honors Office, one of the Army personnel assigned to escort Tom, to brief me.
As we made our way by car, when directed, to the Committal Shelter, Tom's ashes, and his flag, were handed to the 2 Honors Army personnel.
A contingent of the local American Legion/VFW had formed a column on the walkway outside the shelter, and the Patriot Guard Riders also stood with them to form quite a beautiful contingent, at attention. We, the family, were directed to proceed through the column, into the shelter where the Army Honors personnel had placed Tom, and his flag on a draped table. We were directed to specific seats by the V.A. rep.

Once all seated (and at that point, I was unaware that Ace, from SOCNET, was there) the Army Chaplain began to speak. He spoke to Tom, and to us, assuring all that Tommy was now in the hands of God, and of his (and all military) dedication to his country. He said that Tom was now protected, and safe. Then, quite suddenly, the Chaplain, near the end of the service, shouted at the top of his voice: "JOB WELL DONE, SIR", and saluted Tom. My control was tested, to be sure.
It was then that the Honors Army personnel took the flag from the table and began the folding ceremony, which was astounding. The, deliberation and very specific arm movements and hand movements was incredible to watch. Once they neared the end of folding the flag, the Chaplain brought 3 unspent rifle cartridges, which were placed inside the folds of the flag. They Army personnel then finished the folding ceremony, and presented the flag to Tom's brother.

At that point, the 21 gun salute began, followed by Taps, followed by the presentation of the now spent cartridges from the 21 gun salute, to Tom's brother. The Patriot Guard Riders captain, then presented a beautiful engraved plaque to me, and to Tom's brother, and rejoined the column. I, and Tom's brother, were then directed to approach Tom's urn and speak, silently, to Tommy, and then file out through the column of VFW/American Legion, the Honors Office Army personnel, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

At the end of the column, when we were dispersing to our cars, was when Ace approached me to identify himself. Hell, I lost it then. But, so it goes. SOCNET was one of the places where Tom felt most at home - and Ace's appearance showed me something incredible in the brotherhood you all share and keep. That you STILL guard and honor each other, have each other's back, active or not, and that it's forever. And quite a different thing than just "coworkers", or "friends"....

If I had ever understood SOME of this while with Tom all these years (and I tried hard to "get" it), June 2nd, 2015, and you all here on SOCNET, brought a far stronger understanding to me - which is comfort.
Again, thank you... I'll keep reading and maybe, sometimes, seeking a better grasp of this by posting - from you, his brothers.
Andi, with respect.
Reply With Quote
  #65  
Old 5 June 2015, 23:35
The Fat Guy's Avatar
The Fat Guy The Fat Guy is offline
Hard to Kill
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: On 2 wheels (Maybe 3)
Posts: 17,346
Andi,

Thank you for sharing Tom's story and letting us have him here, even for a little while.

God Bless and Godspeed.
__________________
No one will take better care of us, than us: Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - G. Orwell

The chair is against the wall, the chair is against the wall.
Reply With Quote
  #66  
Old 8 June 2015, 18:37
Mac's Avatar
Mac Mac is offline
Been There Done That
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,132
Thank you for sharing Andi. I hope you can find comfort here on Socnet. This site is like no other. It helps many like myself stay connected, and sometimes even grounded.

Like MixedLoad said, stick around. You will be welcomed and hopefully find some comfort.

Godbless
__________________
[SIZE="3"][SIZE="2"]
There are two kinds of people in this world,
the smart and lazy, and the stupid and industrious. Be wary of the stupid and industrious, they will fuck something up every time.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
Reply With Quote
  #67  
Old 13 June 2015, 20:16
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
You've all been so kind with your outreach to me, I do read most everyday, it helps just knowing you're "out there". :-) Thought I'd share some photos of Tom's service - it WAS awesome - as awesome as something like that can be. (I hope these links work).
Andi
, https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f...602_100332.jpg ,
Enjoy your weekend...
Andi
Reply With Quote
  #68  
Old 13 June 2015, 20:19
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
One more...the link didn't seem to get thru...


Andi
Reply With Quote
  #69  
Old 14 June 2015, 16:24
KidA KidA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: WbyGV
Posts: 17,407
Thanks for sharing and letting us be there by proxy.
__________________
[SIZE="1"]Hey homo, its me -- Andy/SOTB[/size]
Reply With Quote
  #70  
Old 14 June 2015, 21:16
Doc P's Avatar
Doc P Doc P is offline
Fan ar an gcosán
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,279
Godspeed Tom and sorry for your loss Andi.
__________________
Inspect what you expect
Reply With Quote
  #71  
Old 17 June 2015, 09:14
There First There First is offline
On the Extract Bird
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: WV
Posts: 254
RIP Sir.
Reply With Quote
  #72  
Old 17 June 2015, 13:31
LawnDart7051 LawnDart7051 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Snellville, Ga
Posts: 2
RIP Sir and sorry for your loss Andi .
Reply With Quote
  #73  
Old 17 June 2015, 15:24
Ole crusty bastard's Avatar
Ole crusty bastard Ole crusty bastard is offline
Authorized
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Port Charlotte FL
Posts: 6,580
Andi, your loss is felt by all.

Rest easy, Tommyboy52.
__________________
...when in doubt...over prime.
Reply With Quote
  #74  
Old 18 June 2015, 05:18
just11b's Avatar
just11b just11b is offline
Authorized
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Fl
Posts: 2,998
Rest In Peace, Warrior.
I am very sorry for your loss Andi.
Reply With Quote
  #75  
Old 20 June 2015, 22:22
Decon's Avatar
Decon Decon is offline
Crisis Management
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 405
RIP
__________________
The right of a nation to kill a tyrant in case of necessity can no more be doubted than to hang a robber, or kill a flea.
John Adams
Reply With Quote
  #76  
Old 1 July 2015, 19:36
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
To all here a very happy July 4th. Without you, we wouldn't have this celebration -- and the freedom it proclaims.

Andi
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 17 July 2015, 01:14
Tripletabhopeful Tripletabhopeful is offline
On the Extract Bird
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Cordova, Tennessee
Posts: 13
R.i.p SSG may you rest peacefully and may your family find peace.
Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 10 October 2015, 16:55
Ace's Avatar
Ace Ace is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: PA
Posts: 5,646
Andi,

Just a quick note to say I hope things are going well and that Socnet has not forgotten.
__________________
As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin' man, I have chalked up many a mile. Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks, And I've learned much from both of their styles
...Loved by few, judged by many


Don't practice until you get it right, Practice until you can't get it wrong
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 10 October 2015, 17:30
SOTB's Avatar
SOTB SOTB is offline
Minus one, but more symmetrical....
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Clorox'ing the gene pool....
Posts: 30,910
Thumbs up

I'm saddened to see the contents/cause of this thread again -- but I thank Ace for doing so....
__________________
Losing faith in humanity, one assclown at a time....
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 10 October 2015, 19:48
The Fat Guy's Avatar
The Fat Guy The Fat Guy is offline
Hard to Kill
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: On 2 wheels (Maybe 3)
Posts: 17,346
DOL
__________________
No one will take better care of us, than us: Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - G. Orwell

The chair is against the wall, the chair is against the wall.
Reply With Quote
  #81  
Old 30 October 2015, 20:28
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
Gentlemen - thank you for remembering Tom. His birthday is November 10th, day before Veteran's Day, and I will travel to Pittsburgh a few days before, so that I can honor him at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies, view his now-installed plaque, and visit his friends and family. And....try to spend some time where he last was.....
Thank you....thank you.
Andi
Reply With Quote
  #82  
Old 10 November 2015, 23:43
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
You are all heroes to me, as Tom was. In my humble opinion, one day of official honor in this country will never be enough...but it is tomorrow, and my gratitude goes to you all for defending me, our country and our freedom.
Reply With Quote
  #83  
Old 11 November 2015, 01:06
KidA KidA is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: WbyGV
Posts: 17,407
RIP Tom
__________________
[SIZE="1"]Hey homo, its me -- Andy/SOTB[/size]
Reply With Quote
  #84  
Old 11 November 2015, 10:49
Remington Raider's Avatar
Remington Raider Remington Raider is offline
True Origin Not Known
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: peanut gallery
Posts: 2,045
I was away when this thread was posted. SOCnet is the shizzle. RIP soldier.
__________________
Wolves and alligators should be cross-bred to make wolfagators that will be silent and fast, and we'll never have to hear from those people, they will just be wolfagator shit.
-Eltrane

Are you fucking serious? That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard all week...and I'm at a senior staff planning conference, so, the bar has been set pretty high. You should be proud. - Gavin

“I was recently on a boat to Alcatraz. ‘Why can’t we reopen it for all the bad guys in San Francisco now?’ Out-of-towners all laughed.”
“The residents on the boat didn’t.”
Reply With Quote
  #85  
Old 11 December 2015, 18:58
travelcoord travelcoord is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 14
Just to say that I wish you ALL the best of holiday seasons - be it CONUS or OCONUS - please be safe, share some smiles with others, and that we are ever grateful for your dedication and protection.
Andi
Reply With Quote
  #86  
Old 11 December 2015, 19:30
The Fat Guy's Avatar
The Fat Guy The Fat Guy is offline
Hard to Kill
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: On 2 wheels (Maybe 3)
Posts: 17,346
Andi,

Merry Christmas and Godspeed.
__________________
No one will take better care of us, than us: Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” - G. Orwell

The chair is against the wall, the chair is against the wall.
Reply With Quote
  #87  
Old 11 December 2015, 20:07
CPTAUSRET's Avatar
CPTAUSRET CPTAUSRET is offline
BTDT
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Iowa City, Iowa...
Posts: 10,467
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fat Guy View Post
Andi,

Merry Christmas and Godspeed.
What he said!
__________________
"IF THOU STRIKETH THE KING, STRIKE NOT TO WOUND":
Reply With Quote
  #88  
Old 12 April 2024, 10:30
Ace's Avatar
Ace Ace is offline
Administrator
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: PA
Posts: 5,646
Andi, we have not, nor will we ever, forget. Know this: Socnet is still here for you if you need us. My number hasn't changed.


Continue to rest easy Warrior, Tommyboy
__________________
As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin' man, I have chalked up many a mile. Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks, And I've learned much from both of their styles
...Loved by few, judged by many


Don't practice until you get it right, Practice until you can't get it wrong
Reply With Quote
  #89  
Old 20 July 2024, 13:02
DCH's Avatar
DCH DCH is offline
Callsign: Turkey Bacon
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: SoCAL
Posts: 2,307
Never forgotten, Rest Peaceful Sir. Thank You for letting us remember Andi.

DCH
__________________
No matter.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Our new posting rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 16:54.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
All Rights Reserved SOCNET
© SOCNET 1996-2023

Top