Com-Central.net

I've been out of the loop for a couple days. A soldier from my section passed away from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident the other day. He was a SSG like myself, and we worked side by side for the past two years. It took quite a bit out of my to say the least, losing what I consider to be my friend and even more importantly, my brother -- especially in light of the manner in which it happened. He was a true soldier in every sense of the word and being. For those interested in reading, I've added a bit about this great American below. Veterans Day has always had a special meaning for me based on family members who have lost their lives and now for all of the friends I have lost. May god bless those still overseas and bring them all home safe, as well as the Storrs family for their loss. (Of note, they also buried their daughter earlier this year, and Tom passed away on his father's birthday)

SSG Thomas Shelby Storrs
(December 5, 1980 - October 30, 2007)



Staff Sgt. Thomas S. Storrs, 26, a military intelligence specialist assigned to the Military Intelligence Detachment, Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Wash., died in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 30, 2007, in Tacoma, Wash.

SSG Thomas Shelby Storrs, son of Norman Storrs and Evelyn Storrs, was born December 5, 1980 in Petersburg, VA. His short time of 27 years was spent living a full life. Thomas was a soldier, but he was so much more. He was a warrior who spent his time winning wars, one heart and mind at a time.

He deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Thomas unselfishly offered himself to protect his friends and team members; for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. His in service attitude carried over into his personal life. He could often be heard saying “I got your back� or “how can I help.� His God given talents made him a “fisher of men.�

On the evening of Tuesday, October 30, 2007, Thomas completed his mission here with us. This beloved soldier, brother, father, and loyal friend shall be missed dearly. He will be especially missed by Karla and Toffee.

He lived his life “full tilt� by the creed offered in Edgar Allen Poe’s fabled poem, “Eldorado.� To this end Thomas’ quest is done, his race is run; forever will he rest in the land called, Eldorado.

Storrs’ military education includes the Warrior Leaders Course, Counter Intelligence Force Protection Source Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Static Line Jumpmaster Course, and a graduate of the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Storrs is survived by his father retired Col. Norman and stepmother Evelyn Storrs of Petersburg, Va., his mother Susan Diorio of Madison, Fla., and his daughter Ayanna Simone Curry of Colonial Heights, Va.

So sorry to hear this mate

From one veteran to a pending one, ~Salute~. So sorry to hear about this loss. It's true what they say...the good, they die young.

My thoughts are always with those still in uniform, as I think you know.

Sounds like a fine young man. Condolences to his family and friends.

That is a real shame Hunt,sorry to hear about it.

My sincere condolences, to his family and good friends such as yourself, Hunt. Very sorry to hear about this loss.