Thomas A. Seddon Jr. - Benefit Fund

Story

“Hello sir, how are you doing today?” Every interaction with Tom began with a firm handshake and a locked, stern (but friendly) gaze. For the women, a wonderfully warm smile and a “Hello, ma’am.” Tom was a loving soul and a gentleman at heart (despite how at times how infuriatingly stubborn he could be). He would always leave you with a “stay out of trouble!” a smile and a chuckle when you parted ways.Thomas (Tom) A. Seddon Jr., age 77, peacefully passed away with his Family by his side at approximately 1200 hrs local time on January 19, 2020. A dedicated father and husband, Tom served his wife, Cathy, and his Family for 53 years. As a soldier in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and the Korean conflict - with immense pride and unwavering integrity - upheld the oath he took to protect and serve his country. Tom - Likely after graduating Basic Training in 1963Tom is survived by his wife Cathy Seddon (McGinty), Daughter Pamela Seddon Cooley, Son-in-law Aaron Cujo Cooley, Grandsons Christopher Cooley, Marcus Cooley, Keith Cooley, and Garrett Bitts, Granddaughters Sarah Cooley and Racheal Cooley, and Great Granddaughter Emily Cooley.Over the last 12 years, Tom and Cathy lived on what little social security they received and the support of Pamela and Aaron. Cathy is 100% disabled and is unable to work. Today, the Family faces severe challenges. Tom did not have life insurance, a retirement account, or any savings. Tom & Cathy SeddonCurrently, Cathy receives about $500 a month from social security. She qualifies for state medical assistance due to her wildly low income. However, she will not be eligible for any substantial military survivors’ benefits due to the nearly non-existent record of Tom’s military service.We are seeking any donations to assist paying for funeral expenses and to put into Cathy’s savings account for her long term care. At a minimum, we are hopeful to set aside enough to take care of her expenses over the 3-6 months (about $6,000). The money will be used to take care of the house payment, utilities, prescriptions, doctor visits, groceries, and more. We sincerely thank you for taking the time to read Tom’s story, and we humbly thank you for whatever support you can offer. Tom was an incredibly loved and valued member of the Family; he lived to serve others, and he lived for his Family. Rest in peace, Papa Tom, your war is over. We love you and have got watch from here.Tom’s Story---------------------------During Tom’s time with the U.S. Army, he served as a communications specialist working on radio broadcast equipment, and he was a photographer. As a photographer, Tom spent time documenting the Vietnam War, often on special assignments with Prisoner of War rescue teams and other special operations efforts. We know that Tom surely carried many demons in his mind that he never let win; he very rarely spoke of his service. We have read some of the letters describing the horrors he was made witness to, and they are the truest description of the dark and evil side of humanity.U.S. Army Photo by: SP5 Thomas A. Seddon Jr.Vietnam - Taken in February 1968"A Green Beret talks to circling helicopters while standing in the aftermath of a napalm strike."---------------After his military service was complete, Tom settled into a retail department store management life and was the “fix-it” guy for Hill’s Department Store. Traveling up and down the east coast, he would be assigned a failing store, then go in to set it right before moving on to the next one.Tom and Cathy retired about 12 years ago in the house the Family bought for them next door to Aaron and Pamela. Through his retirement, Tom’s fascination with our Family’s work in T.V. and Film, and how it related to his early broadcast work, never waned. Tom happily spent his last years of retirement with a morning smoke, a hot cup of coffee, walks around his yard with Wolf (his German Sheppard), filling bird feeders, and tending to his gardens.In 2017 having the Family closeby became even more critical as Tom’s health suddenly began to decline rapidly; we realized he had Alzheimers’ disease. As many military men and women are, Tom was stubborn as hell. He refused to see a doctor for so much as a common cold so getting him to a doctor then was not going to happen. Finally, in early 2019, Tom caved to my Mom’s wishes and began, begrudgingly, we worked to find him the care he deserved at the V.A.; Tom had no health insurance. Through 2019, Tom’s health declined rapidly. This left the Family with no time to provide the V.A. with a substantial account of all the things Tom accomplished or dealt with throughout his military career, leaving little to no assistance available.Tom’s memory will live on in all of our hearts. We are grateful for every moment we were able to spend with him, and we honor his 12 years of military service to this great country.We are asking for your help to bridge the gap wherever possible to help ensure the care of Cathy moving forward. A donation of any amount is gratefully accepted.Timeline of Service---------------------------SP5 Thomas (Tom) A. Seddon Jr.December 27, 1942 - January 19, 2020SP5 Thomas (Tom) A. Seddon Jr. was born on December 27, 1942, in Salem Massachusets. On May 31, 1963, PVT Seddon enlisted in the United States Army.On November 22, 1963, PVT Seddon graduated from the U.S. Army Signal School as an Audio Specialist.Specific dates unknown, between 1963 and 1965, PVT Seddon served in South Korea as an Audio Specialist.In July of 1965, SP4 Seddon (date of rank unknown) served with the Sound Branch at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA, where he consistently received praise from senior leadership almost certainly influencing his promotion to SP5 on August 31, 1965.From at least June 1966 to September 12, 1967, SP5 Seddon served as a Cameraman with the Television Division at the U.S. Army Southeastern Signal School in Fort Gordon, GA.In September 1967, SP5 Seddon departed Fort Gordon and headed to Fort Shafter, Oahu Hawaii, where he served with the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command Signal Group in the Vietnam war.Specific dates unknown, between 1967 and 1968, SP5 Seddon served in Vietnam with a mission to photograph the war.On June 13, 1968, SP5 Seddon packed his bags and cleared Fort Shafter, Oahu Hawaii, and headed back to the United States.On June 15, 1968, SP5 Seddon transitioned into the U.S. Army Reserve and served as an Audio Specialist through March 13, 1975, when he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves and the New York Army National Guard where was assigned to Support Company, 1 B.N., 174th INF.During his service, SP5 Seddon received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.