I never had the opportunity to meet the man in person. After Frank DeMauro died he contacted me about repairing Luger holsters. He was my first client. He was a tried and true Friend for 15 years. An example of how close internet relationships can be without ever meeting face to face. He was a comrade in arms,an honorable and brave Soldier, commanding a unit of the 173rd Airborne. We traveled the same jungle paths, endured the same privations, lost the same friends to come home to a life we dreamed of while there. He was very successful at it, having a Daughter just graduate from medical school and his son just graduate from law school. Tom was the great family man and that will go on in his stead. As many have said before me he was the consumate collector, achieving heights I only dream about. I used him on many an occasion for answers and have missed him recently as a source of knowledge. I will miss him more now. As I followed his stay in hospital I had hoped of a miraculous comeback...Catherine was with him 24-7 for right on 7 months. He could not have had a better companion in life and she was with him till the last. We can mouth the platitudes that this is for the best..he is in a better place and we come to realize that it is true in this case. As a mans man..unless he could recover completely he is better off not to suffer the degradation of anything less than a full life. I believe that death is God's gift to us. We will all walk this road in one way or another. I hope we too achieve the love and admiration of our fellows as Tom has done.

Airborne All the Way Sir!

Jerry Burney

All members of the Herd are special which makes it real tough when one if them passes away.

Read Jerry Burney's "epitaph" on Jan Still's Forum. It says it almost as well as Ron has said it.

Wow thats hard to believe,My prayers are with his loved ones. c

Devastating news :( Rest In Peace Tom.

He was a very kind man to me who graciouslly answered my every e-mail question concerning Navy's with authority and patience. He always gave an answer that you knew was right. He will be missed.

I knew Tom and am greatly saddened by his passing, he will be missed. My condolences to his family. Sam Buscemi

has there been any word on the funeral arrangements?

Tom's funeral will be at Arlington National Cemetary. Due to the long waiting list, the funeral will not take place until September or October.

There will be no memorial service. The only service will be at graveside in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers Tom's family has asked that financial gifts be made to a newly established endowment in Tom's name at The University of Florida. The endowment will provide financial support to veteran students. I will provide details regarding the endowment in a few days.

Thank you for the update George... If you will post the information in this thread when it is known, I am sure that those forum members in this area who knew Tom personally would like to attend, me included!

The veterans' scholarship fund at the University of Florida in the name of LTC James T Armstrong has been set up. I have attached a donation form for any members who may want to make a contribution.

Sad news. I only knew him trough the forum, but I will miss him. My condolences to his family.

I have not visited forum in some time and just now know of Tom Armstong's passing. I built two baby Lugers for Tom and arranged for him to buy a third that I had built for another person. Only met him once at Kansas City show in late 1990's. Fine fellow!

Art, good to hear from you. I know that Tom told me how you made these baby's for him and he presented one to each of his kids.

He was very proud of those as gifts.


Ed

The funeral services for Tom we be October 8th at Arlington National Cemetary. A reception will be held at the Fort Myer Officers Club.

A block of rooms has been set aside at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield Virginia. They are holding rooms at a discounted rate. The group code is TAFS. I believ transportation to and from the service may be offered by the Hilton, not real sure about that but some of us who will be staying there will have room available. The number for the Hilton is 703.971.8900 ext 7119.

As I posted earlier a scholarship fund for veterans has been established in Tom's name at The University of Florida. Anyone who would like to make a gift can use the attachment below.

George,
That's the Ft. Myer Officers Club isn't it?
Myer is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetary and where the Chapels serving ANC are located. Ft.Monroe is down near Norfolk.

Yep, my error, Ft. Monroe is a bit of a drive. I'll correct it. Thanks.

THANKS George for the update.

Sad news. rest in peace.

I just wanted to let everyone know, that our dear friend and longtime forum member, and moderator, LTC James "Tom" Armstrong, was finally laid to rest with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, October 8th, with his family and many friends in attendance.

It was a solemn and awesome ceremony. A Military procession complete with horse drawn caisson, Army Band, an Honor Guard escort from the 3rd Infantry Division (Old Guard), and 21-gun salute. A Hero laid to rest.

Rest in Peace Tom, You will be missed, but not forgotten...

I was honored to be there...I took no photographs, as I felt that would have been inappropriate. (The included file photo of the funeral caisson is identical to that used for Tom's service.)

My thanks to George Anderson for keeping me in the loop on the funeral arrangements.