Page 65 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

navy | nOrtH paCiFiC, persian GUlF

by a congressman to enter the Academy. I received my We married in 2007.
nomination from Congressman George Mahon. I chose to
become a pilot and, after graduation, began pilot school “One perk in life is volunteering with Gentiva Hospice
in Pensacola, FL followed by Jet School in Kingsville, TX, and discussing familiar topics with veteran hospice
then on to San Diego to fly the F-14 Tomcat. My sister patients. We’re all just people, and encouraging others is
Carol recalls mom hitting her knees daily. enjoyable.”
“After San Diego I served two extended cruises with “The Invisible War” refers to The Cold War between the
the Black Lions in the Persian Gulf and shore duty in US and the Soviet Union that dominated the international
Pt. Mugu, CA. I was the Director responsible for testing geo-political landscape for the last half of the 20th century.
electric components of the F-18 Hornet. My 3 and 4 See a video of Tom’s story at www.Stories.Midway.org/
th
rd
cruises were sea duty with the VF-211 Checkmates. At ship stories/The Invisible War
war’s end I completed my final cruise and shore duty with
VF-126 Bandits teaching aircraft maneuvering tactics and (From the USS Midway Museum website: “In 1982, the
simulating enemy aircraft. USS Midway joined fellow air-craft carrier USS Enterprise to
conduct a major exercise off the coast of the Soviet Union as a
“After active duty I entered the financial world of Merrill show of force and demonstrate the United States superior Naval
Lynch as a financial consultant. Next, I worked for power. The weather in the North Pacific deteriorated quickly
Smith-Barney. Finally, at USAA as the Director of Wealth and ultimately left F-14 pilot, Lt. Tom Lawson unable to land
Management for San Diego region prior to retirement. on the Enterprise. Watch what happened next, and how the USS

“I met Renee Spicer on a commercial flight, and we traded Midway added to its legendary reputation.”)
emails. She worked at an aviation company in Midland.

Serving those who

have served us

If you or a loved one who served is living with a
life-limiting illness, it would be our honor to walk
alongside you. As a proud 4-star partner in the
national We Honor Veterans program, we provide
specialized hospice care that recognizes the unique
needs of those who served our country — and the
families who stood beside them.
Serving the greater Lubbock area, our team offers
physical, emotional, and spiritual support wherever
you call home, helping veterans and their loved
ones make the most of every moment with comfort
and dignity. We’re here for you 24/7/365.

7202 Slide Road, Lubbock, Texas, 79424
(806) 748.1041 gentivahs.com

Lubbock Senior Link 65