We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Tom. Many of you had the opportunity to see him during the April DoDM 4145.26 class in Mesa—just two months ago. At the time, he was dealing with discomfort, but none of us could have imagined how serious it truly was. On May 15, Tom received the devastating diagnosis of cancer, and on June 18 he passed peacefully into his heavenly home. The speed of his decline is difficult for many of us to comprehend. Since 1999, Tom served as a valued instructor for TCI's Ammunition and Explosives Safety Training for DoD Contractors course and was a respected leader throughout the AE industry. His contributions extended far beyond the classroom. As a key contributor to the 2008 revision of DoD Manual 4145.26, Tom possessed a rare understanding of both the requirements and the intent behind the manual. He generously shared that knowledge with thousands of professionals, helping them navigate complex safety and compliance challenges while applying the practical judgment and common-sense perspective that became his hallmark. What set Tom apart was not only his exceptional technical expertise, but also his gift for teaching. Drawing from decades of experience, he always seemed to have the perfect story to illustrate a lesson, transforming regulations and requirements into practical wisdom that students could understand and apply. He believed AE safety was about more than simply following rules. It was about understanding risk, exercising sound judgment, and finding practical solutions while never losing sight of the ultimate goal—protecting people, facilities, and missions. Tom's legacy will endure through the countless individuals he trained, mentored, and inspired throughout his career. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable knowledge, but also for his generosity, his dedication to safety, and his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of AE professionals. For TCI—and for me personally—Tom was much more than a respected professional. He was a mentor, a trusted advisor, and a dear friend. Throughout my career, I could always count on him for honest guidance, practical advice, and a perspective grounded in experience and common sense. He taught me more than I can adequately express, and many of those lessons extended far beyond explosives safety. Whether you worked alongside him, learned from him in the classroom, or sought his counsel on a difficult issue, the themes that emerge are remarkably consistent. Tom made time for people. He shared his knowledge freely. He challenged us to think critically. He encouraged us to be better professionals. And he genuinely cared about helping others succeed. Those qualities, every bit as much as his technical expertise, are what made him so respected throughout our community. Tom will be deeply missed by the TCI family and the entire AE community. As we mourn his passing, we should also celebrate the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. His impact extends far beyond a manual, a training course, or a distinguished career. It lives on in the people he mentored, the professionals he influenced, and the practical approach to explosives safety that he championed throughout his life. Rest easy, Tom. Thank you for everything you gave to this community and to those of us fortunate enough to call you a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family, friends, and many colleagues during this difficult time. - The TCI Family