By Cindy Zurn, Quilts of Valor
Tom Todd, Career Navy Veteran, was recently awarded a Quilt of Valor to honor his dedicated service to the USA military on Sept, 19, 2020. His quilt was awarded on his 73rd birthday, with many family members present, along with the QOV Panhandle Blocks organization coordinator Kathy Dye presiding and the Legion Riders forming the flag line. Tom's two sisters, Linda and Tammie, graced their brother by wrapping him with the quilt.
The quilt was quilted by Anita Allen and designed, pieced and bound by Cindy Zurn, his sister-in-law.
Thomas E Todd entered the Navy in April 1966 at San Diego and trained as an Instrument specialist. He serviced ships in several US ports (San Diego, Charleston, Mayport, FL) as well as abroad, including Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hawaii and Hong Kong.
His tours encompassed the world, taking him to the West Pacific, through the Panama and Suez Canals, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece and Spain. Tom's specialized training also included instrument calibration, office machine repair, Chief Master of Arms, submarine instrumentation and maintenance, and ship maintenance superintendent.
Tom attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer in October 1975 while stationed in San Diego, CA.He retired from the Navy at the Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL in July 1988, a 22 year honorable service career. Tom went onto contract privately with the Navy for another 24 years.
Awards received: Navy Achievement medal, National Defense service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, "E" award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Fifth Good Conduct Award, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal/1960's device.
Tom and his wife, Sandy, both Alliance natives, recently moved back to their hometown of Alliance, NE making a completed circle. Welcome home Tom and thank you for your dedicated service!