Staff Sergeant Tommy Folks joined the Army in 1994. He deployed all over the world, most recently serving in Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry Regiment. He died of injuries sustained when multiple roadside bombs detonated near his vehicle. Folks was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and too many other decorations to list here.

Tommy was kind, gentle, and soft spoken. Full of wisdom, with a great sense of humor, he used to say, “Learn from the bad, and take from the good.” An honor student and an Eagle Scout, Tommy was a hard worker and natural mentor dedicated to his fellow soldiers. It is no surprise that he wanted to become a teacher.

Folks was fearless, intensely loyal, and always lead from the front. He frequently volunteered for missions despite fully understanding the risks. He embodied the Infantryman motto, “Follow me.” Through his hard work and dedication, he demonstrated what it meant to be an NCO, “The backbone of the Army.”