Commander Thomas Steven Vander Woude - A Sailor's Story

 


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.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Tonitown, Arkansas. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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Location: Sioux Falls, SD, USA

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