THOMAS MCCOOMB
(Nominated by Nancy Fontaine)
Portsmouth Fire Station #2
August 23, 2011
My dad proudly served in the United States Air Force and retired as SMSGT after 21 1/2 years of honorable service. During those years he was recognized for his dedication and received several “Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service”. He is most proud of the “Airman’s Medal for Heroism” he received in July 1970. A KC-135 experienced an explosion in the number 2 engine during it’s take off roll. My dad commandeered a truck, mounted a large fire bottle and along with another crewmen controlled the fire. His immediate recognition and spontaneous reaction to the serious emergency helped save the aircraft and perhaps the lives of other men. After retiring from the USAF he served as a fire fighter and EMT with the Portsmouth Fire Department for 20 years. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Pease Greeter. I salute him as my hero and am most proud of him for just being himself, kind, giving, and a loving dad. Thomas McCoomb has always been very proud to be an American, displaying his flag with pride. I know he is a perfect candidate to help stitch this flag back together as he would stitch it with honor in all he stands for and believes in.
