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