Major Thomas C.M. Zeugner, A Soldier's Story
Major Thomas C.M. Zeugner, A Soldier's Story
Major Thomas Carlyle Morris Zeugner was born on June 28, 1954, in Petersburg, Virginia. He was raised with a strong sense of discipline and curiosity, traits that would shape both his education and his military career.
He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1972, then attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1976. At VMI, Thomas was remembered for his sharp sense of humor and fondness for practical jokes, qualities that endeared him to classmates in an otherwise demanding environment. He was also a gifted athlete, competing on the varsity swim team and holding the school record in the 200-meter breaststroke.
Major Zeugner specialized in explosive ordnance disposal, a field requiring exceptional precision and calm under pressure. His service took him across Europe, Turkey, and Korea, and he was selected to serve on an ordnance team tasked with clearing explosives during one of President Jimmy Carter’s diplomatic trips to Israel.
Committed to lifelong learning, he earned a master’s degree from Troy State University and later taught military science at San Bernardino College, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of service members.
During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, Major Zeugner deployed to Iraq as part of the Gulf War. On February 27, 1991, he was mortally wounded while deactivating an explosive device, carrying out the same dangerous work he had performed throughout his career to protect others.
Major Thomas Carlyle Morris Zeugner is laid to rest at Southlawn Memorial Park in Petersburg, Virginia.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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