Thomas “Tom” McDonnell’s life story highlights a path of service, dedication, and adaptation, starting with his decision to join the United States Air Force. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Tom grew up in a traditional American household, eventually enlisting in the Air Force during a turbulent period in the 1960s. Tom had initially hoped to become a pilot, but his journey took a different route, shaping his life in unexpected ways.
Tom served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) for four years, starting in 1965. Though his dream of flying was never realized, he found himself working in Air Force intelligence at first, before a flood of language specialists reshaped the roles in his unit. This shift saw Tom transitioning to a job in food services, far from the high-flying dreams he had originally envisioned. As a food service operator, or “cookie,” Tom spent much of his military career ensuring the men on base were well-fed, performing essential work on the ground.
He was stationed at several bases across the U.S., including Lackland Air Force Base, Kelly Air Force Base, and Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Indiana, which later became Grissom Air Force Base in honor of astronaut Gus Grissom. While he never served overseas, Tom was part of the Air Force at a time when many were being sent to Vietnam. His base, however, was frozen from deployments for two years, keeping him stateside while others served overseas. By the time the freeze was lifted, it was nearing the end of his service, and though he was offered an extension with the option to transfer to Alaska, Tom opted not to stay.
After leaving the Air Force, Tom returned to his roots in Baltimore, where he resumed his civilian career at Sears. He worked in sales and stock for several years, easing back into civilian life. However, his military experience remained a significant part of his identity. He reflected that his time in the service taught him valuable life lessons, particularly about self-reliance and personal responsibility. The discipline and structure of the military helped shape his work ethic and his approach to life.
In the years following his military service, Tom faced personal challenges, particularly with his health. After undergoing knee surgery that didn’t go as planned, Tom spent almost two years in and out of the hospital. This difficult period was compounded by the onset of COVID-19, which made recovery even more complicated. His daughter eventually convinced him to move to Florida for better care and to be closer to family. Tom has lived in Florida for three years now, though his first two years were largely spent recovering from his surgeries. Despite these challenges, Tom maintains a positive outlook on life and remains resilient in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on his service, Tom noted that being in the Air Force, particularly under SAC, was like “three and a half years of basic training.” The constant readiness drills and physical demands of the command kept him and his fellow airmen in top shape, even if they weren’t always deployed. He fondly remembers one fellow serviceman from Chicago with whom he shared 12-hour shifts, but like many veterans, he eventually lost contact with those he served alongside.
When asked what he might do differently if given the chance to relive his life, Tom reflected on the age-old advice of not marrying while in the service. He humorously recalled the challenges of balancing military life with personal relationships, noting that his hometown girlfriend never spoke to him again after he married someone else while stationed at his base. It was a decision that led to a long-lasting regret.
Tom’s understanding of patriotism runs deep, rooted in a sense of duty to his country. He has seen the political landscape change over the years and expressed concerns about the direction things have taken. However, he remains proud of his service and encourages other veterans to take care of themselves, particularly when it comes to their health. One of his key pieces of advice to younger veterans is to avoid undergoing major surgeries, like knee operations, later in life.
Despite the challenges and disappointments he faced, Tom remains proud of his time in the Air Force. While he never achieved his dream of flying, his brother-in-law, who served as an Air Force pilot and flew F-105s during the Vietnam War, became a source of pride for Tom. He admired his brother-in-law’s courage and service, and though he passed away, Tom still looks back at that time with respect and admiration.
As Tom continues to enjoy his retirement in Florida, he reflects on the many lessons life has taught him. His military experience, while not glamorous, provided a foundation for the rest of his life. It instilled in him a sense of duty, discipline, and self-reliance that carried him through both his career and his personal challenges. Tom’s story is a reminder that every role in the military, no matter how humble, plays a crucial part in the larger mission, and the lessons learned in service last a lifetime.