tredhed2 Posted October 22, 2021 #1 Posted October 22, 2021 Just recd the news that ASMIC’s Tom Ayers and the Forum’s PATCHRAT passed away 20 Oct 21. Tom had an interest in Texas SG insignia and a phenomenal memory for ROTC patches and especially which Trading Post they were published in. You ROTC collectors will miss him a great deal. He helped me as Editor in understanding all the current reproductions out there. He was a walking encyclopedia on TX SG items. I. Think he had that collecting interest committed to memory, too. He was a retired US Army NCO (E7 I believe)
Old Marine Posted October 22, 2021 #2 Posted October 22, 2021 This is terrible news. Tom was a great guy. He was a knowledgeable and generous man and he will be missed.
268th C.A. Posted October 22, 2021 #3 Posted October 22, 2021 R.I.P. the knowledge that passes with him.....unknown Prayers for the family.
John4022 Posted October 23, 2021 #4 Posted October 23, 2021 Sad news, rest in peace Tom & best wishes to his family. Thank you letting us know.
P-40Warhawk Posted October 23, 2021 #5 Posted October 23, 2021 Sorry to hear, condolences to his family.
Thor996 Posted October 23, 2021 #6 Posted October 23, 2021 Sorry to hear this! He will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. This is sad news.
manayunkman Posted October 23, 2021 #7 Posted October 23, 2021 Prayers for the family. How old was he?
patches Posted October 23, 2021 #8 Posted October 23, 2021 My sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
tredhed2 Posted October 23, 2021 Author #9 Posted October 23, 2021 13 hours ago, manayunkman said: Prayers for the family. How old was he? 53
manayunkman Posted October 23, 2021 #10 Posted October 23, 2021 2 hours ago, tredhed2 said: 53 Way too young
Bill Scott Posted October 24, 2021 #11 Posted October 24, 2021 May God Hold Him In The Palm Of His Hand Rest In Peace Rest In Peace.
sundance Posted October 24, 2021 #12 Posted October 24, 2021 Prayers to his family and may he rest in peace.
Allan H. Posted October 25, 2021 #13 Posted October 25, 2021 May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for him and his family. Allan
stratasfan Posted June 3, 2023 #15 Posted June 3, 2023 Just posting the obit that I found: Obituary Thomas “Tom” Dieter Ayers, 53 of Killeen, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. Services will be held at 1 pm Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Belton. Tom was born on September 18, 1968, in Esslingen, Germany to the late John and Elke Ayers. He was a Desert Storm veteran and served our country with the U.S. Army, retiring in 2013 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. In his retirement, he enjoyed collecting military memorabilia. Tom married Elizabeth Bobbie Ayers on June 4, 1988. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Brittany Heckart, and Brigette Ayers; son-in-law, Brandon Heckart; and one grandson.
Rakkasan187 Posted June 7, 2023 #16 Posted June 7, 2023 Very sad to hear this, I met Tom a number of years ago when he was visiting an antique shop in Las Cruces, New Mexico which is now closed. We spent a few hours chatting with the owner and talking about the forum as well. A great guy and he will be missed. Leigh
phillock Posted June 27, 2023 #17 Posted June 27, 2023 Hi friends and fellow collectors. It has taken me a long time to write this on Toms passing. We only new each other for 5 years and we would converse regularly on "whats app" at least ones week, 4 plus hours at a time, as well as many ,many emails on US patches from WWII to GWOT. Tom helped me with understanding the Global War on Terror and the modern US Army and because of Tom , I built up quite a good GWOT collection from 2001-2015 from Toms deployments. But most important was the friendship along with friends and fellow ASMIC and USMF members. Below is what I wrote on Toms passing but it has taken me until now , such was the impact of his loss I felt. To my dear friend Tom. It was an honour and previlege to know you. As collector’s and long standing members of ASMIC, that brought us together to share our passion on collecting and you mentoring me on the modern era US Army GWOT/OEF/OIF campaigns, I learnt so much from your knowledge and experience. The hours of conversation on USArmy,OEF/OIF theatre made patch’s and family, I am the one who is better off to have known you and your family. I will miss those conversations and someone who I could turn to for advise and a good chin wag. Rest easy my friend…………. SFC Thomas Dieter Ayers US Army Veteran TX NG 1986-1988 Germany 3AD 1988-1992 Desert Shield /Storm 3AD Dec 90-May 91 Korea 501st MI Bde Jun 1997 - May 1998 Bosnia 1 Cavalry Division Mar - Aug 1999 Iraq OIF 4 ID Nov 2005- Dec 2006 Qatar OIF /OEF 138th MI DET (JSTARS) 4 short tours between Dec 2007 and Jan 2010 Afghanistan OEF 1 Cavalry Division, Jun 2011- Mar 2012 Afghanistan Contactor May - Dec 2014 - Feb- Apr 2015 Phill Lockett Auckland New Zealand
Spathologist Posted January 12, 2024 #19 Posted January 12, 2024 I somehow missed this thread. Tom and I were both with the 1st Cav during OEF XII, were the same age, and shared origins in and a love for all things Texas. I didn't know he'd passed, and I didn't know he was Patchrat... RIP, Trooper. See you on the Green.
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