Thomas Mikolajcik Obituary

To The Mickolajcik Family:

I was one of the Fortunate ones to have had the opportunity to know your husband and father. Words can not possibly describe the caring, kind hearted human being he was.

I will alway remember the many times the General visited the CAFB Audiovisual Service Center to check on project(s) we were working on for him. Never demaning, but alway a gentleman in his requests. Visiting with the staff and showing he cared about his people

General Mikolajcik certainly upheld the values and standards of a great USAF Officer. He was an airman,s General, and it was my honor to have served under his command.

General Mikolajcik has fought the good battle and is now with our Lord and Saviour. Carmen, may the Lord bless and watch over you and your family in this your time of a great lost. Know that as you walk and trust in the Lord, one day you as a family will be reunited with your husband and father in a much better place free of suffering and pain.

mrs.carmen my prayers go out to you and your family.it was an honour to take care of the general and to be there when he took his last breath.he was truly a fighter to the end.take care and know that i love and miss all of you...

Tommy & I attended Greeneville Elementary School in Norwich, CT. I can still remember going to one of his birthday parties on Prospect Street. I have followed his career over the years in the local papers and am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Barbara (Lewis) McShane, Uncasville, CT

Carmen, Julia, Christina, John,

I was very sorry to hear about General Mikolajcik. It seems like yesterday when we were all together at Rhein-Main with me working as your Dad's exec. I can honestly say I've never been closer to any boss than I was with the General. He truly cared about the people that worked on the base and always helped me if I needed it. There aren't many people in this country who will put on a uniform every morning and serve their country -- Tom Mikolajcik was one of the few.

Kathy's and my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Carmen and family;
Caroline and my family are always with you. These trying moments show us the true meaning of life which for Tom is his well deserved Eternity. You are in our prayers. As ever,
Francisco Davila

It was my pleasure to take care of the General while at MUSC. He is a true hero for our country and for the battle against ALS. He is certainly resting in peace. Prayers for the Mikolajcik family and the rest of the ALS patients out there.

The Gen was once my commanding officer at Charleston AFB. My prayers are with you.

To the Mikolajcik family I will keep you in my prayer I love you
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A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

With our sincere condolences,
Bill and Fran Levay

Carmen and Family,

Jimmy and I have you in our prayers. General Tom was an inspiration to Jimmy, who also suffers from ALS. It was such an honor to know such a great man and hear his words of encouragement. General Tom will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication for making it possible for Veterans with ALS to receive their much needed benefits. Most of all, we will remember General Tom for his kind words and his bravery battling this disease. May the Lord hold you close during this time.

Sincerely,

Jimmy and Tammy Rentz

April 23, 2010
Tom, you will always be remembered as the wonderfully trained godson, who never forgot me from the time you wwere a cadet at the U. S. Air FirceAcademy, in flight school, in advanced general command school and thru your various assignments and commands while in the Air Force. You were a role model of an understanding and considerate leader and contributor to the "betterment and learning of your fellow man. You will be well remembered, and missed greatly. God Bless you, and may you rest in peace.

Carmen and family,
As a former CO of Naval Weapons Station Charleston, I, and our entire NWSC Family, was frequently and deeply touched by Gen Mik's greatness. He was a valued mentor and friend of all. He was the most "purple" officer I ever served with caring equally for Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine, and Coast Guard personnel as well as the citizenry of Charleston and the Low Country.
Tina and I do and will forever treasure our time together and our friendship.
P.S. I visited with Rob Zalaskus and Gary Edwards on Saturday and they echoed my comments.
Robert J. Brennan
CAPTAIN US Navy
[email protected]

On behalf of the Charleston Chapter, National Defense Transportation Association, I would like to extend my condolences to the Mikolajcik family, and express the loss that we feel at the passing of our mentor. The General was a tireless advocate for the interests and rich tradition of military transport in the lowcountry, and his participation lent great prestige to all of our organization's activities. His unassuming yet authoritative support will be missed, yet will inspire well into the future.

To my Godfather Tommy, you were the most softspoken and kindest person I have ever known. God bless you and keep you in everlasting peace. To the Mikolajcik family in Connecticut and South Carolina,God bless you during this difficult time.My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
with love, Carol Gostkiewicz

To all the Mikolajcik family,
Please accept my family's prayers and sympathy. Gen Mikolajcik to me was an outstanding commander, warrior, mentor, and friend. I had the privilege of serving with him at Rhein Main in 1990. My greatest honor was having him induct me into the NCO corps as a Sergeant that year. I cherish to this day the picture I have of him and me together. My memories of our time in Germany with him are many. During that ceremony, he took the time to meet my wife Shara and my son Daniel, calling him my little Airman. After that when we were involved with Desert Shield and later Desert Storm, he made a point to visit our work section several times, asking us about our jobs and about our families. I remember one cold winter day in January that year we were busy loading aircraft. Gen Mikolajcik was in a golf cart passing out Hot Chocolate and cookies to everyone on the flightline. To me, It took a special person to do that, with everything else he had to do.
I saw him several times after that, either at Andrews or here in Charleston, and he always had time to talk. I feel he was the best Wing Commander I have ever served under. I have admired him for 20 years for all that he has done, from those days in Germany, to the C-17, and especially for his concerns not for himself, but for others with ALS, going out of his way to make life better for others.
I am a better person for knowing him, The Air Force and the world are better places for Gen Mikolajcik being in them. Thank You General for being a part of my life and career.
I pray for your family with deep respect and admiration.

MSgt Maggorino Tamietti, USAF

My husband Erick Cook who also battled ALs met General Tom at several of our ALS support meetings and had nothing but admiration and respect for him. Sadly Erick too left us on April 18, 2010. Thank you General for all that you did to help win the Veteran's both their rights and respect in battling this terrible disease.

Prayers and sympathy to friends and family. The General did more for my familiy and all veterans with ALS than I could have ever imagined. General Tom you are a bigger hero than you know; thank you!

To Tom's Family and friends
I was a childhood friend of Tom growing up on Hickory St.in Greeneville. We were in the same grade and enjoyed playing football in Murray's backyard, cub scouts,
basketball at the courts, or riding our bikes throughout the neighborhood. Everyone liked Tom because he was kind and respectful except when he would climb a neighbor's fence to retrieve a misguided football from their flower garden. We always said we would call each other on midnight on New Year's Eve. We were still little and fast asleep by then so it never happened.
I want to offer my sympathies to the family. He was a good friend and one of the "best" from Greeneville.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Richie Brown

Dear Mikolajcik Family!
The General and I were stationed together in Italy and again at Charleston AFB. He signed several of my APR's. We saw each other at the CAFB golf course and would always exchange cordial greetings. May his soul rest in peace and may God give you the grace and strength to deal with your loss. My deepest Sympathy, May God Bless.

Mikolajcik Family,

I had the pleasure of knowing Tom, his sister and the Mikolajik family, growing up in Norwich. Although a few years older, I do remember Tom and have often stopped in to see his mother whenever I would visit my family. I was there on Sunday for a few minutes. May Tom rest in peace after his long, courageous battle and know that he will be missed by many people.

Carmen & Family:

My sincerest sympathies at Tom's passing....Although I had retired by the time all of you came to Charleston, I got to know him very well primarily through the Retired Affairs Office at the Base. He always had time for the Retirees and the office staff. Without a doubt he will be missed, but he has fought the fight and is now in a better place. May the Lord comfort all of you in this most difficult time...Affectionately, Ed Cotter, Lt. Colonel USAF (Ret)

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I got to work with and know General Mik during BRAC. He is one of the few heroes I have met in my life. I am certain that he has already begun a new mission.

To the Mikolajcik family....I worked closely with Tom while fighting the Base Closure (BRAC) decisions in 2005. Even though his ALS was advancing, he was a tireless advocate for the DOD facilities in Charleston during that BRAC round. I greatly admired his intelligence, leadership and especially his strength. Although my facility was closed during that BRAC round, it was not because Tom didn't carry on a great fight. One thing stands out to me during my time working with Tom. When the decisions were made and our Command was being closed in 2006, Tom came to the de-commissioning ceremony (in his wheelchair). After the ceremony was over, my fellow senior leaders who worked with Tom fighting the BRAC decision gathered for a final photo. Of course we asked Tom to be in the photo with us, and he willingly came forward in his wheelchair. As we were getting ready to shoot the photo, Tom seemed to be struggling. When asked if we could help he responded, "I want to stand with you guys." He did.....and to this day I have that photo hanging on my office wall; Tom standing with the men he led on that mission. As I followed his advocacy for Vets with ALS in the following years, I could see that he was truly an inspiration to a multitude of others!! I was Blessed to know him. I Love the Navy, but I wish I could have served under that fine Air Force man. I know you are comforted by knowing he is with his Lord, and not having to deal with that failing body anymore.

To all of Tom's family, I want to extend my condolances on the loss of a good man and great soldier.

Dear Carmen, This world has lost a very special individual. Tom was admired by all for his caring and selfless attitude towards others. I will always remember his warm smile and his ability to energize those around him. The country has lost a loyal patriot and I a friend. His spirit will continue to live in the heats of those who loved him. With our thoughts and prayers for you and the family. Love, Joe and Faith Torsani

Tom was a classmate in the NFA class of '64. He always had a big smile and greeting for everyone. May your precious memories comfort you during this difficult time.

My first recollection of Tom was outside of Greeneville School when we were in kindergarten. We were classmates all through NFA and freshman year @ UConn. Reconnected at our 30th NFA reunion and was able to visit with him these past 6 years both in Norwich and in S.C. where I met his beautiful and loving family and he mine. My husband & I enjoyed our chats about flying, Charleston history, our Polish heritage, the old Greeneville days, and the UConn huskies! I will miss this remarkable friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Carmen and family.
With love,
Marcy (Pavlok) Gordon
Huntingon, NY

To the Mikolajcik Family,we offer our most heartfelt and sincere condolences. I served under his command at Charleston AFB and he led by example. He was a great leader and will be sorely missed.

To all of the Mikolajcik family... I had the honor of working for him while he was the 437 Airlift WIng Commander. He was a true leader! I know you are proud of his patriotism and professionalism. I'll always have a special place in my heart for him. May your memories keep him close in your heart and put a smile on your face in the difficult days ahead! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Betsy (Alexander) Crump

My condolences to the Mikolajcik family - and to the whole human family! - on the loss of so valiant a spirit! The General demonstrated how to face adversity in a pro-active manner - and leave the world a better place as a result. I had the privlege of meeting him during the early days of the formation of the SC Chapter of the ALS Association, and will always remember his quick wit, keen intelligence, and gracious spirit. He will be sorely missed.

To the Family of Tom,

My brother and I grew up 3 houses down from Tom.He was a quiet, friendly, respectful and reliable kid. He loved playing basketball at the courts and all the guys wished we could be as smart as Tom.We were all so proud of him through the years as he continued to advance in his career, assuming more responsibilities in service of his country. Through out all of his success, he remained a good friend to the guys of his youth. He continued to be a role model son, brother, husband,father and grandfather, in the life he led. He was a man who never lost his love or faith in God. He has "fought the good fight and has now completed his race." It was our privilege to have known Tom. God bless all you family members during these times, Keep the faith.

Tom,You represent the best of the Rose City's Native Sons.

God bless and rest in peace---

Bob Demars

To the Mikolajcik family: My sincere sympathy for your loss. I grew up on Howard Street and visited your home many times with Dorothy. I followed Tommy's outstanding accomplishments through the media. Looking at this picture brought back many memories. I hope that you will get through this difficult time as best as possible. Joanne (Skowronski) Baribeault - Norwich, CT

An honor to meet and speak with you at the ALS support group meetings. You were always attentive to others needs as well as helpful with your experiences. God be with your family and military family at this time.

Mary Peters and I interviewed the General several times for a radio talk show. Having this opportunity was one I will always remember and cherish. And it did not matter when the disease started to break him down physically because his will to live, to make a difference for those he would leave behind, and the love for his country and his family were always at the forefront. May his family feel the abundant grace of our Lord during this time.

My dear Mrs. Mikolajcik, there was great sorrow in my heart to hear that our GREAT General had fallen. He was and always will be one the most admired and respected man I have been fortunate to know. I catered your daughter's wedding at the AFB Officer's Club and many other functions for you and your husband. Your kindness has never been forgotten. My prayers will continue to be with you and your family for the rest of my life. May God bless you all with comfort and peace.

Tommy and I grew up on Prospect Street, six houses apart. We went to different schools but played together in the afternoon. In 1964 I fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a Marine, while Tom chose the Air Force. We bumped into each other a few times over the years, in Turkey, in Germany and the last time in Florida just before I retired.

Tom was a fine American and another "star" product of Norwich.

Farewell, brother. Rest in peace.

Joe Waldron
LtCol USMC(ret)

Mikolajcik Family,

Thanks for being an inspiration for others with ALS and their families. My heart goes out to your family during your time of bereavement. We were blessed with your assistance in 2008 as we were battling with the VA in Atlanta, GA. My husband recently lost his battle with ALS in January of 2010.