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Heartland-LeMay Chapter
Memorial
In
Remembrance of Thomas A. (TAD) Draper '68 founder of the
Heartland-LeMay Chapter of the AOG
Thomas A. Draper, known as Tad to his
friends, USAFA Class of 1968, slipped the surly bonds of
Earth to touch the face of God on Tuesday, September 28th,
2010. Tad suffered a heart attack resulting in his sudden
passing.
Tad was born on April 19, 1946 in
Washington DC. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy
in 1968 and spent 22 years and 5 months on active duty all
over the world before retiring at the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. After his Air Force career, Tad and his family
settled near Omaha, Nebraska.
Tad was a good friend and trusted
mentor. He lived a life of character and honor, daily
living out the values of the Air Force and USAFA. Tad had
great love and admiration for the US Air Force Academy and
was very active in the USAFA community. He worked with
Academy liaison officers helping to recruit the best
candidates for USAFA, founded the Heartland-LeMay Chapter of
the USAFA Association of Graduates, and sponsored socials
that included cadets during summer programs. Tad also
established the Heartland-LeMay Leader of Character award,
presented to local high students who best exemplify the
values of the US Air Force Academy. Tad worked tirelessly
at furthering the ideals of USAFA in the Omaha community.
Tad worked for Northrop Grumman as a
software developer team lead for the SSC Omaha Space
Intelligence Applications branch. He will be sorely missed
by his friends and colleagues who admired his character and
exemplary work ethic.
Tad’s survivors include his wife,
Becky; daughter, Belise; son, Jim; and son, Rob. One of
Tad’s favorite activities was skiing. He started skiing as
a cadet and never lost his love for the slopes of Colorado.
Skiing became a favorite activity for Tad’s family. Tad
also enjoyed golf and was particularly fond of the time he
was able to spend with his sons on the golf course.
Funeral
services for Tad will be held on October 3, 2010 at Kahler-Dolce
Mortuary in Papillion, Nebraska. Tad’s ashes will be
interred at USAFA, a fitting resting place for a man who
care deeply about the institution and its people. Some of
his ashes will be spread on the ski slopes that Tad enjoyed
so much.
Here's a toast to the host... |
