Tom is a 1964 graduate with distinction of the United States Naval Academy, receiving the NAAA Sword and the Cooke Memorial Fund Award. Tom was a 3-year football letterman as a center and inside linebacker and the captain of the 1963 Navy Cotton Bowl team quarterbacked by Roger Staubach, that season’s Heisman Trophy winner, which finished the season ranked No. 2 in the nation. As an Ensign, Lieutenant and Admiral, Tom completed three active duty tours and several billets at the Academy. At sea, his leadership positions included commanding officer of the USS Truet, commander Destroyer Squadron Twenty-six, commander Cruise Destroyer Group Twelve, including commander of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield. His naval service also included Chief, Navy Legislative Affairs, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1991 to 1994 and Director of the Navy Staff at the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995. After a 31-year career, Tom retired in 1995 as a Rear Admiral. In 2010, he received the USNA Distinguished Graduate Award. He also serves as a director of the Naval Academy Foundation and as a trustee of its Athletic and Scholarship Program.