Tom Broomhead's Story
My brother Tom was born in Ohio, but raised in Fort Myers, Florida.
Upon graduation from high school in 1989, he decided to enlist in the Marines. After a four year tour with the Marine Corps, he enlisted in the Army with the hopes of becoming a helicopter pilot.
On Memorial Day 2003, my brother Tom was KIA in Fallujah, Iraq. He was with the US Army 3rd ACR. Though he was mortally wounded, he refused immediate medical help so that he could continue to fight and rally the soldiers he swore to protect.
During Tom's funeral service, I said, “To U.S. troops serving overseas – we pray for you every day. We are proud of you, and we salute you… with faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we will get through this,” quoting the Bible passage of John 15:13—“Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.”
I concluded, “There are 3 million Iraqi people who are celebrating freedom because of the brave men like my brother.”
Tom’s heroism motivated me to speak out on his behalf and on behalf of all of the men and women who have served and sacrificed in our military.
I never imagined it would lead me down the path that I am on now. Having a brother who was in the military and a brother who is a cop has motivated me to dedicate my life to bringing awareness to the heroic men and women that protect our neighborhoods and our country.
-Mike Broomhead