He joined the military as soon as he hit 18. He is a Vietnam combat vet '67 serving in the U.S. Navy for 5 years from '64-'69. Tom was a Gunners Mate mostly stationed on board the USS Barney (DDG-6), a guided missile destroyer, and attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class.

Tom wrote his first book, while at his battle stations during the quiet times. It helped to fight the boredom and keep alert,