Rest in Peace Tom. After reading your Ranger School stories, I just wanted to reach out and say hey. I got my tab 20 years ago and when I read your stories the memories came flooding back to me. I was giddy with laughter and it really put a smile on my face. Recycling in the Mountains and the whole bit. Been there my blueberry pancake eating comrade. I was deeply saddened to learn of your greatest sacrifice to our country. My heart goes out to everyone in your family, your friends and soldiers. From your postings, you sound like an outstanding soldier and one I would have been proud to have served with. God Bless and keep us all safe from up there. RLTW!

Rest in Peace Tom. After reading your Ranger School stories, I just wanted to reach out and say hey. I got my tab 20 years ago and when I read your stories the memories came flooding back to me. I was giddy with laughter and it really put a smile on my face. Recycling in the Mountains and the whole bit. Been there my blueberry pancake eating comrade. I was deeply saddened to learn of your greatest sacrifice to our country. My heart goes out to everyone in your family, your friends and soldiers. From your postings, you sound like an outstanding soldier and one I would have been proud to have served with. God Bless and keep us all safe from up there. RLTW!

I just googled some military informations, and visit here by chance. I'm interested about the contents of your blog Tommy and continued saw about 20 pages.
You are really real classic US soldier

Then, I find that you're not in the world any more.

I feel very sad.

You and your wife's smile is impressive, sincerely wish you going all right in the respective world.

a stranger, called Fromz

from China

In Remembrance of 1Lt. Thomas M. Martin,
I recently saw the “Fallen Heroes” exhibit in my school’s library. I’m writing this to express my sincerest gratitude for 1Lt. Martin’s service to both the state of South Dakota, and to our country.
I can’t even begin to imagine how it felt to lose him, let alone how it felt to be in his position or his family. I believe he was and always will be very well loved and remembered. The exhibit has touched my heart, and I’m very grateful to all the time and service 1Lt. Martin gave to our state and country, as well as to all the people he left behind for enduring the hardships they have.
Sincerely,
Bethany Esplund

I stumbled across this blog while reading up on Ranger School prior to starting the course. Tom's honest account of Ranger School was instrumental in preparing me mentally for the course, and his determination motivated me when I too recycled Mountain phase and eventually graduated. On some down time in Mountains I was talking about personal heroes with my Ranger buddy (a National Guard Sergeant who was prior active duty.) My friend began telling me about his personal hero: his old PL from his active duty days in Alaska and Iraq. He spoke with awe and reverance of his PL who had given his life for his country. He also spoke of the dedication his PL displayed in making it through three consecutive phases in the Mountains. I remarked that his PL sounded very similar to the author of a blog that I had read and reread prior to shipping. My friend stated that it should sound familiar, because Tom was that PL. He said that Tom was his motivation to attend and complete Ranger School, and that whenever times got tough he would look at his memorial bracelet with Tom's name on it, and he would always be motivated to the same high standards that Tom held himself to. I can proudly say that Tom's legacy allowed him to push straight through the school and graduate with Ranger class 09-11. Thank you for this blog, and for your service to this country, sir. RLTW

Happy Birthday Tom !! My son, Jacob is at West Point 2015, I hope he carrys your spirit and mememory with him !!
Love and God Bless !!

Since my husband recently left for Ranger School, I just happened upon Tom's Ranger blog one afternoon when I searched out more information about RAP week. Reading his blog helped calm my nerves. I cracked up reading his entries, it was funny and touching at the same time. Then when I found out Tom had been killed while deployed, I cried for him and his family. My heartfelt condolences to the Martin family.

I can't even begin to tell you how comforting it has been to follow along with Tom's journal as my boyfriend has been in Ranger School. It makes me feel oddly close to him, when we haven't been able to talk for months. I appreciate all the hard work I KNOW this took to stay awake and write during such a physically difficult time. I have read it multiple times and I read each day as it passes. It means more than words can say and I think his effort will continue to serve those with loved ones in Ranger school for a long time. What an awesome person, God bless him.

Hi
I was blessed with the pleasure of being your dads escort this year in rolling thunder.ecause you gave your life for your country.All i can say is thanks.

bill gormley

Missing you, as always. Will NEVER forget your smile, your laugh, your fantastic attitude toward life...

Aunt Janet