Remembering Tom Casey

January 6, 2008

Tragedy has its own gravity. When someone we know dies we tend to suddenly be closer to that person. I had not been close to Tom Casey since we were about 11, both fullbacks for an Albuquerque youth soccer team. And when I heard yesterday that Tom died in Iraq, it was the 11 year old that I imagined out there. Even at such a young age, he was a bit of a throwback–his sense of humor was keen and infectious, but unlike that of me and most of my peers, it tended more toward innocent mischief than ridicule. At the same time, Tom had a dominant sense of respect for his family that seemed always to be born not out of fear, as one might expect at that age, but a genuine and precocious appreciation of them.

I am reluctant to attribute political meaning to Tom’s death, except to say the obvious: his loss represents an immeasurable addition to the already infinite cost of war. This same thought is better expressed by Major Andrew Olmsted, who died with Tom, and who prepared a posthumous blog entry. While expressly requesting that people refrain from using his name as a tool for making pro- or anti-war statements, Major Olmsted wanted folks on both sides of the issue to be more aware of the destructiveness of war:

But for those who knew me and feel this pain, I think it’s a good thing to realize that this pain has been felt by thousands and thousands (probably millions, actually) of other people all over the world. That is part of the cost of war, any war, no matter how justified. If everyone who feels this pain keeps that in mind the next time we have to decide whether or not war is a good idea, perhaps it will help us to make a more informed decision. Because it is pretty clear that the average American would not have supported the Iraq War had they known the costs going in. I am far too cynical to believe that any future debate over war will be any less vitriolic or emotional, but perhaps a few more people will realize just what those costs can be the next time.

This may be a contradiction of my above call to keep politics out of my death, but I hope not. Sometimes going to war is the right idea. I think we’ve drawn that line too far in the direction of war rather than peace, but I’m a soldier and I know that sometimes you have to fight if you’re to hold onto what you hold dear. But in making that decision, I believe we understate the costs of war; when we make the decision to fight, we make the decision to kill, and that means lives and families destroyed. Mine now falls into that category; the next time the question of war or peace comes up, if you knew me at least you can understand a bit more just what it is you’re deciding to do, and whether or not those costs are worth it.

It did not surprise me when I heard that Tom had entered the military. There are plenty of people, I am coming to understand, who are simply hardwired to be soldiers, drawn not necessarily by political persuasion but by the concepts of respect, camaraderie, integrity and service that I imagine characterize the best parts of the military. Or maybe there is something even more innate that calls someone like Tom into military service. One of my most vivid memories of our childhood friendship occurred in his backyard, where he showed me his collection of toy soldiers. Some of them were strewn, some were still standing, in a pile of dust that could just as easily have been Iraqi.

–Mark

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14 Responses to “Remembering Tom Casey”

Jeff Casey said:

January 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

thanks mark, tom would have really enjoyed that story

-jeff
Brad Reid said:

January 7th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

Mark,

Thanks for writing something up on Tom. We’re definitely going to miss having him around.

-Brad
JoAnn Buettner said:

January 7th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

I am not a soldier…I can not even pretend to understand the ‘hardwired person’ it takes to be one. I have loved a soldier that did not come home in the late 1960’s, and I have loved a soldier that did. A dear Uncle and friend once sat with me while I was a teen and spoke to me about courage, faith, and family…he was the father-in-law of Tom, and father of Leslie Casey. He was a soldier. I thank you for your words and insite into Tom’s youth…you, my new friend are a soldier of love. As my Uncle says to me often…”In Christ’s Love”…in this too, we will find peace.
Charlotte said:

January 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Beautiful.
Mark said:

January 7th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

JoAnn:

It sounds like Leslie’s father is a very wise man. I hope and expect that his wisdom, and yours, will help guide your family to the peace of which you speak. I am honored and humbled to know that my fond recollection of Tom reached you and Jeff.
Bryce Lindsay said:

January 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

I will remember Tom firstly as a great patriot and American and secondly as a good friend who was reliable and compassionate. Tom was the consummate professional and very passionate about his work and making sure that everything he put his hand to was a success. He was also a loving husband and father. Tom was smart, tough, intense, encouraging, hard working, caring, persevering, loyal, patriotic, moral, diligent and driven. Many of these attributes were demonstrated when he found himself having to deliver his second son on the side of I-35E in route to Baylor hospital in Dallas about two years ago. He was simply an incredible guy.

At Comark Tom was a project manager when the project manager was responsible for finding the business, winning the business, running the project through final payment. Selling was not natural to Tom; however, he worked at selling and Tom has a nice body of work that he left Comark that reflect Tom’s perseverance in overcoming any inhibitions that he had in the civilian workforce. He is a testament that with a good work ethic and thoughtfulness that you can be successful in just about anything that you put your mind to.

Tom enjoyed his time at Comark but could never seem to fill the professional void that he felt when he resigned his commission from the Army a few years ago. So in 2006 he signed up for the Army National Guard and was deployed to San Antonio where he confirmed his true desire to serve his country in the armed forces. He was re-commissioned into the regular active Army in 2007.

Before Tom left for training at Ft. Riley he came in to turn in his Comark computer that he took to San Antonio with him because he felt that it was his responsibility to check his Comark e-mails daily—which by the way led to the Katy ISD opportunity that we were awarded last year—one of the largest single purchases of the year for the private/education market sector. He and I visited for a while and then I escorted him to talk with John Martin where Tom communicated his belief that he could contribute to the Army’s success in turning around the situation in Iraq with a new strategy…which on a larger scale currently appears to be working better than previous strategies. Tom exemplified what is stated in the Soldier’s Creed which states:

I am an American soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier.

Tom called in from Ft. Riley one time to report that he was being boarded and also having classes in some of the buildings that Comark provided for the Ft. Riley modularity program. He seemed to take some pride in that fact. He was to be in Iraq for approximately a year plus and was looking forward to being stationed in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks with his family.

Tom was one of those people that one hopes and anticipates to stay in touch with for the rest of their life. I am extraordinarily sorry that he is gone but I am equally grateful that I had the opportunity to know Tom. I pray that God will provide peace for his family and friends that are mourning his loss. I will always reflect on the positive way that Tom impacted my life. I am a better person for knowing him. He will be greatly missed.

Bryce I. Lindsay
Jeff Casey said:

January 8th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Bryce,

Thank you for such kind words about my brother Tom, our father John remembers meeting you and how Tom used to talk highly about you. We were both just talking about the fact that we had really hoped he would stay with Comark but alas, that was not his calling. Tom was a soldier and a warrior in the true sense, and it is surprising that he lasted in sales as long as he did. Thanks again for your words and fond memories of Tom, he would appreciate that.

-jeff
JoAnn Buettner said:

January 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Bryce,
Thank you for such an expression of love and friendship for Tom. I know that my uncle and Leslie will feel your prayers as well as the warmth of your understanding of Tom as they read your words. I am pleased that Jeff found your words during this time. I would also like to say that your words helped me understand better that remarkable person that at some point becomes a soldier. Thank you, Jo
Gary Farber said:

January 10th, 2008 at 5:50 am

Olmsted. Not “Olmstead.”
Nick Cordaro said:

January 10th, 2008 at 12:32 pm

My sincerest condolences to Tom’s family and friends. I remember Tom first as a kid. A funny, heartfelt and very honest kid I grew up with. Just a kid, who help shape my own life. I remember his laughter and his love for his family. We drifted apart in high school only to reconnect in college. We used to commute from Albuquerque to Las Cruces. He often spoke of his affinity to the service. He was truly dedicated with a strong focus in his life. I will never forget his laugh and I will always have a great respect for what he and his family have sacrificed for us. I wish I could have been there for today’s procession. Kindest regards, Nick
Pat Casey said:

January 13th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

Thank you, Mark, Bryce and Nick for writing about your Tom memories. We appreciate it! Tom’s Mom, Pat Casey
Mrs. Leslie A. Casey said:

January 23rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm

Thanks to all of you for your kind and loving words about my husband. I am trying to collect all of these amazing words for our children. I will always talk of their Dad as the hero and loving man that he was. Thomas loved his family and he also loved the Army. He was the most dedicated man I ever met, and that is why I fell so incredibly in love with him.
John Dever said:

February 4th, 2008 at 10:36 am

I served with Tom when we were both in Alpha Co. at DLI. Tom was a wonderful Soldier and a good friend. He will be missed. I am very sorry for his loss.
MEL said:

January 20th, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I ALWAYS THINK OF ANY MILITARY PERSON OVER THERE AS AN ABSOLUTE HERO.I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN AS BRAVE AS THEY ARE. THANKS FOR STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

PAC505

Remembering Tom Casey

January 6, 2008

14 Responses to “Remembering Tom Casey”

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