Tom is an SCI Clinic user due to MS. In his words, “A lifetime ago, I was a Naval Hospital Corpsman, and then I specialized as an Operating Room Technician. Following my discharge 1976, I worked as a Psych Tech at the VA in Sheridan, WY. Later I attended Sheridan College starting in pre-Civil Engineering and became the college’s 504 Compliance Engineer & Video Production Department (two ½ time positions). After doing this for three years, I moved to Reno to finish up at UNR; this was the start of the recession of ’81. I was lucky enough to secure a position as an Engineer and assisted in the set up, wiring and electronic engineering of KAMETV. I have worked for several armored car companies in positions ranging from running crews to Firearms and Driving Instructor. When I was able to return to school, I completed an AAS/ADT (Architectural Design Technology) degree, beyond that I was working on my LSIT (Land Surveyor in Training). Things were going smoothly when MS reared its head, followed by a cancer diagnosis, both just in time for my 50th birthday. While undergoing treatment, for the cancer, the MS necessitated a change in direction Again I returned to school at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) where I received an AAS-Paralegal Law from the only ABA My leadership experience has been ongoing. I’ve served as Secretary in the Nevada Civil War Volunteers for a number of years. I have also served as Secretary for WADG, now WA7DG, Amateur Radio a repeater group and 501c Corporation. Currently, I am a member of the Paralegal Advisory Board at TMCC, prior to that I served on the TMCC Law Clinic Advisory Board which was retired once the Family Law Clinic was in operation.
AWARDS: Phi Theta Kappa, all years attending college, and Lambda Epsilon Chi, National
Paralegal Honor Society and the first group at TMCC to receive this. I graduated the program with honors.
At the urging of Frankie Dunmore, NP SCI Clinic, VAMC Reno, I attended a meeting and
became a member of NV PVA, and subsequently became Secretary of the Reno Division.
My accomplishments to date since doing so are several. I have gotten the PVA to expand
its definitions in the Entertainment Reimbursement Program, have got a number of N. NV
businesses to give PVA members discounted services, worked with Ann to get a portion of the website made Reno area specific, and continue to act as a liaison with Reno Recreation to expand outdoor activities to our members.