Tom Bragg

Tom Bragg was born in 1935 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he spent his early childhood. Growing up, Tom was active in the Boy Scouts and played various sports, which provided him with a foundation of discipline and teamwork. However, his life changed dramatically when both of his parents passed away, forcing him to move to Clearwater to live with his aunt and uncle. Despite the challenges of losing his parents, Tom continued to persevere and graduated from Clearwater High School. After high school, he worked for a couple of years before deciding to take a significant step in his life—he got married and joined the United States Air Force.

Tom’s decision to join the Air Force was influenced by his desire to gain technical training that would benefit him later in life. He saw the military as a way to secure valuable skills, stability, and a better future for his family. In the Air Force, Tom trained as an electrical communications technician, working with both receivers and transmitters. His role was critical in maintaining communication systems, ensuring smooth operations in various military scenarios. This technical training not only gave him expertise in a highly specialized field but also laid the groundwork for his future civilian career.

Tom was stationed in Germany during the post-World War II occupation period, where he spent a year and a half. During his time in Germany, he not only focused on his military duties but also took the opportunity to immerse himself in the local culture. One of the highlights of his time in Europe was learning how to ski, an activity introduced to him by his roommate, a fellow soldier from New York. Together, they ventured into the mountains, and skiing quickly became one of Tom’s favorite pastimes. He looks back fondly on these experiences as some of the most enjoyable moments of his time abroad.

While in Germany, Tom also welcomed his first child, marking a significant moment in his personal life. His daughter’s birth was a reminder of the importance of family, and it solidified his decision to eventually transition back to civilian life to provide a stable environment for his growing family.

After completing his service in the Air Force, Tom was stationed in Louisiana, where he faced a pivotal decision: reenlist or leave the military. Ultimately, he chose to transition to civilian life, eager to apply the technical skills he had learned in the Air Force to the private sector. His first job after leaving the military was with Honeywell, a company known for its focus on technology and innovation. Tom worked at Honeywell for 10 years, attending night school to further his education and broaden his skill set.

However, Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to leave Honeywell and join a startup company called Paradig. This move marked a new chapter in his career, as he embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a smaller, more dynamic environment. After some time with Paradig, Tom received an unexpected offer from a former supervisor to move to California and work on a new project. Always open to new adventures, Tom accepted the offer and relocated with his wife to the West Coast.

Living in California opened up a new world of travel and exploration for Tom and his wife. His career allowed him to travel internationally, with one of his most memorable trips being to China. He also traveled extensively within the United States, including a family trip to Alaska, which he recalls as one of the highlights of his life. In addition to international travel, Tom and his wife enjoyed exploring the U.S. in their RV, starting with an Airstream trailer and later upgrading to a motorhome. One particularly memorable trip involved a minor mechanical issue in the middle of Atlanta, where they discovered something was jammed under the accelerator, creating a brief but stressful moment.

Eventually, Tom retired in California after a fulfilling career. Retirement gave him the opportunity to focus on his family, which by then had grown significantly. He and his wife raised three children, who in turn blessed them with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with more on the way. Tom takes immense pride in his family and cherishes the moments he gets to spend with them.

Reflecting on his time in the Air Force, Tom doesn’t recall any specific moments of heroism or dramatic events, but he does acknowledge the importance of the technical skills and life lessons he gained during his service. His military training provided a strong foundation for his career, and he is grateful for the opportunities it afforded him.

When asked what advice he would give to younger generations considering a military career, Tom keeps it simple. He advises them to “watch out” and be mindful of the challenges that come with military life. His words serve as a reminder that while the military can provide valuable training and opportunities, it also requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to face the unknown.

Now fully retired, Tom enjoys the quiet satisfaction of a life well-lived. He looks back on his military service, his career, and his family with a sense of accomplishment. His journey from a young boy in Tarpon Springs to a seasoned veteran and successful professional is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

Tom’s story is not filled with moments of battlefield heroism, but rather with steady dedication, personal growth, and a commitment to family. He embodies the values of hard work, responsibility, and resilience—qualities that have defined his life from his early years in the Air Force to his current role as the patriarch of a growing family. For Tom, the lessons learned during his military service continue to resonate, shaping the way he lives his life and the legacy he leaves behind.