Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude - A Sailor's Story

Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude, A Sailor's Story

Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude

Born April 24, 1942 - Died September 8, 2008

Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude was born on April 24, 1942, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from Cathedral High School and then from Creighton University. He was an avid basketball player. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 in response to the Vietnam War.   He served as a fighter pilot and was assigned to the USS America. His service ended honorably in 1969.

After Vietnam, Commander Vander Woude became a commercial airline pilot. He also volunteered his time coaching youth basketball programs. After retiring as a pilot, Commander Vander Woude became the Athletic Director and coach for Christendom College.

Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude died on September 8, 2008, saving his youngest son from drowning after he had fallen into a septic tank. He rests at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, in Triangle, Virginia.

 A petition for canonization has been filed with the Diocese of Arlington.

* Read about a.d. elliott's Everyday Patriot Project here*

_______________________________________________________________________________

About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!