Thomas S. Vandal

Date of Death: October 7, 2018

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service

Location Not Available

Saturday 10/20, 1:00 pm

Fort Myer Memorial Chapel
101 McNair Road
Fort Myer, Virginia

cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

At a later date

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
http://support.pancan.org/goto/VandalStrong

http://support.pancan.org/goto/VandalStrong

LTG Thomas S. Vandal, US Army Retired, 58, of Frederick County, Virginia passed away Sunday, October 7, 2018, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Maurice and Barbara Vandal.

A native of Rhode Island, Tom graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1982 and was commissioned a 2LT in the Field Artillery. He retired on September 1, 2018 after a 36 year distinguished career. Tom served at every level of command, from Battery to Field Army. He last served as the Commander of Eighth United States Army, Republic of Korea during an extremely volatile and transformational time on the peninsula.

Tom was a humble, selfless leader of character and a role model for what “right looks like”; always leading from the front and never asking more of his Soldiers than he would expect of himself. Unit readiness, mentoring Soldiers, and caring for Family were his top priorities. Tom was a kind, generous, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He always put others’ needs before his own, and will be remembered for his love of God, Family and Country. Tom was the epitome of an American Soldier!

Surviving is his loving wife of 35 years, Doreen (Hulton) Vandal and three sons proudly serving in the military; Capt Nicholas Vandal (USMC), CPT Eric Vandal (USA), and LT Stephen Vandal (USN); daughter-in-law, Janelle; two grandchildren, Emma and Thomas; sister, Colleen Vandal; brother, John Vandal; in-laws, Chester and Lorraine Hulton; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 20th, at 1:00 pm at Fort Myer Memorial Chapel, 101 McNair Road, Fort Myer, Virginia. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, California 90266 or visit
http://support.pancan.org/goto/VandalStrong

Christopher Burris

Michael Podesta

Jason D Stribbling

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Location Not Available

Saturday 10/20, 1:00 pm

Fort Myer Memorial Chapel
101 McNair Road
Fort Myer, Virginia

Send Flowers & Gifts

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA

Map

At a later date

Send Flowers & Gifts

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
http://support.pancan.org/goto/VandalStrong

http://support.pancan.org/goto/VandalStrong

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My only regret is not keeping in touch - sorry to hear. I will see you again someday brother. "2"

He was my battery commander in baumholder, Germany he was a great leader and a great motivator, and a hard charger.

John was in my CGSC group as a Captain. Smart, hardworking, and moral. He was a great leader.

Deep heartfelt condolences to a great Military Commanding Officer B Btry 4/29 FA

My deepest condolences to the Vandals. When he was Commander of Ops Group, 7th ATC, Hohenfels, German, LTG Vandal epitomized the kind of officer I always wanted to be. Whether he was doing morning PT, or late night AAR prep, he stood strong and never wavered in his conviction to help make others the best they could be. Every time I hear Thunderstruck, I think of Tom Vandal. Rest in peace, sir! Ben Metzler, MAJ (USA Ret).

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Just thinking about our time in Korea together, wont forget him.

We served together in 3ID & again in 2ID, great leader and mentor.

I discovered General Vandal's death just yesterday. I knew him through our service with the 3rd ID, and he was an honorable officer and gentleman. Second Timothy 4:7 Division, and I

Sir, I have no words. It was a pleasure being your XO in the G-33 as you came on board in the Pentagon in 2011. I am forever grateful for you reception of my Family and presided over my Retirement Ceremony in 2012. God Speed. Ups

My condolences to the family. Tom was the most honorable man I ever met. During the time we served together he set the example for all. When tragedy struck my family he was the one that greatly eased our pain. A great man with great compassion. Again so sorry for you loss. CSM(Ret) Ronald H. Sanders, 1-37 FA, Fort Lewis, WA.

I am so sorry for your loss. LTG Vandal touched so many during his service. I would not be the man I am today had I not met him. Thankfully I had the pleasure of serving with him during my time on Fort Hood when he was the 1CD DIVARTY S3 and I worked in his office for a couple years. The lessons he taught me have never been and will never be forgotten. God called home a truly wonderful man and God must have needed someone to command one of his units in heaven. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Doreen and family members we are so very sorry for your loss. LTG Vandal was an incredible man and leader. He was one of Brian’s most favorite bosses of all time because he led by example through his deeds and words. He always took the time to talk with and mentor the younger soldiers even though he was incredibly busy. We are deeply saddened for you and your family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

LTG Vandal was truly a humble leader. I only met him once but that one time he made it evident that he loved God and his family! My prayers go out to the family and friends of LTG Vandal. May he Rest In Peace!

May God bless Doreen and your boys, Tom, you were taken far too young . Your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Tom, I will always remember you as a loving husband, father, and friend. I am going to miss you terribly.

Great Leader and a great Army family. My wishes and prayers to Doreen and the boys. Rest in Peace Boss. Diamond Team!!

Sir, The Soldiers of Blacksheep, JMRC, thank you for your leadership and support. You will always be in our heart and memories.

LTG Vandal was a great Officer and Leader it was honor serving with Him. Prayers go out to Mrs. Vandal and Family in this time of bereavement. May the Lord give comfort to family and friends in the days ahead. Thank you LTG Vandal for your outstanding service to our nation.

Great leader the epitome of what right looks like for soldiers in Korea. Has left a legacy here with the ROK soldiers and the US soldiers alike. Will be remembered always as a soldiers soldier. My heart goes out to the Vandal family. My Army just got a little weaker today and heaven a little stronger. God speed sir. You will be missed by so many.

The epitome of an Army General. Always lived the Army values and led from the front. It was an honor to serve under his tutelage.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

LTG Vandal was an inspiring leader and I feel privileged to have worked with him. A great man who has left us too early. My condolences to the Vandal family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.