A proven leader ready to fight for the 8th District
Citizen
Tommy was born and raised in Rolla where his grandfather started the local paper in 1942. His family has lived in Missouri for four generations. Today, Tommy lives two doors down from his parents in Rolla. To learn more about Tommy and his family, watch this video.
Student
Educated in the public school system in Rolla, Tommy was able to attend Duke University thanks to a ROTC Scholarship. After four years as a combat engineer, he was selected as an Ambassadorial Scholar by Rotary District 6080 in Southern Missouri. This award allowed him to study at the London School of Economics. He earned a Masters of Science in Public Policy with the mark of "Distinction", awarded to the top three graduates. Tommy is currently completing his PhD in Government at the London School of Economics. To watch a video about Tommy as a student, click here.
Soldier
Tommy spent 11 years active duty and obtained the grade of Major. During the Balkan war, he deployed to Kosovo to lead a platoon of Combat Engineers in multinational operations. Later, Tommy attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, graduating 1st in his class. At 10th Special Forces Group, he led an Operational Detachment-Alpha (A-Team) of 12 Green Berets. In two deployments to Iraq in 2004-2006, he conducted a wide range of counterinsurgency operations and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and two Bronze Stars. He is Ranger, HALO and Jumpmaster qualified. To watch a video about Tommy's Army career, click here.
Teacher
From 2006-2009, Tommy served as an Assistant Professor at West Point’s Department of Social Sciences. While there, Tommy taught courses in American Politics and Mass Media and Politics. He was nominated for the APGAR Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2009, Tommy taught Introduction to American Government at the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla. To learn more about Tommy as a teacher, watch this video.
