Tom is a retired Marine officer who traveled the world in service to his country. He served in the United States, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, the Mediterranean, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Honduras and afloat. Tom now pastors the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat. He publishes the Burns Flat News© and hosts a monthly meeting for writers in the western Oklahoma area. He has degrees in biblical studies and political science and certifications in Lateral Thinking®, Parallel Thinking®, and Leadership for Life® as well experience as author, counselor, and newspaperman.