I was 17 years old when I first meet Col. Palmer.  He was 2LT Palmer when I arrived in Schwinefurt Germany.  I had the privilege of working for him as both my shop officer and XO.  I truly enjoyed watching him go from 2LT to CPT.  His favorite thing to say to me was “Farias come here pencil neck “.  It’s kind of crazy, but today as my wife was driving us home from Fort Knox, I started thinking of Herman Thomas Palmer.  So I googled him.  What a heart breaker to read of his passing.  I would like to say that he will and his family will always and forever be
In my prayers.  RIP sir.  You are surely missed.

To the family of Colonel Palmer,
I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was my Battalion Commander (7th Transportation Battalion) when I was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC in the 1990's.
Col. Palmer was a respected leader, as he led by example, and from the front. It was evident that he cared for soldiers, regardless of the unit to which they were assigned.
Col. Palmer, rest in peace, sir!

My buddy passed the news of COL Palmer’s passing last night. So sad to learn of it. He was my BN commander back in the 1990’s. Everyone looked up to him. Loved BN runs with him.  God bless him and his family. See you on the other side sir.

Despite Tom & Gail being the most distant Uncle and Aunt, somehow over the last few years we managed to spend the most time with them. 
Every visit to Florida was an adventure in one way or another; from the alligator-infested river tours, to breweries  and even the Kennedy Space Center - Tom was the witty tour guide you wanted, dad-jokes and all,  those memories will be cherished forever. 
Tom was the uncle I related with the most and will be very missed. 

Every time we have a 'Natty Lite or a Yuengling, it'll be in your honour.

May you forever Rest In Peace, mate.

Cameron & Megan
(Nephew)


Was an Honor to have duty with Mr. Palmer as an RSO on base. He was such a pleasure to talk to especially about guns that we saw at the range. 
RIP SIR, WE HAVE THE WATCH.  

I’m terribly saddened to hear this.  COL Palmer was a tremendous leader and officer.  Till Valhalla!   All the Way!!!

Dear Gail & Family, we are saddened by your loss.   Our loss must seem small, but you & Tom have so many, many friends who grieve with you.  You'll recall that we served in Hq XVIII Abn Corps together, at Ft. Bragg and Iraq.  The sad news has caused many, many of us here to share our "Tom stories".  He was serious about professional matters, but always ready with a smile and some help for anyone in need.  Our prayers for God's continued Blessings to you and all - Airborne, Jim H.

There is so much to say about Tom, Gail's best mate as she she called him, nothing will replace all the memories, nor should they, all treasured. You both deserved each other and those thoughts will always be in our hearts, never forgotten. 
Tom was such a "Hoot", so inspiring and his humour was unmistakable, his knowledge on sports and history was incredible,
you would always want him as company in any situation. 
We all had incidents in our life to remember about this fantastic bloke, Cameron and his fiancee Megan when working in Florida a few years ago were taken in by Tom and Gail, when Aaron was studying in North Carolina in 2014, you guessed it, Tom was there to help out when the need was there, only last year in Vancouver, Canada, Jan and myself had the pleasure of having Tom and Gail on an Alaskan cruise, so pleasurable and the best company ever. 
One memory that will never leave me is what I will finish on is all about a dinner in Spanish restaurant Tampa in 2014. "Dios los beniga y para siempre en nuestros corazones descanse en paz companero" (God bless and forever in our hearts,  rest in peace mate!)
Jeff, Jan, Cameron (Canada), Nathan and Aaron from Sydney, Australia
 

Gail, when you came back from Cambodia and told us about this soldier of soldiers that had taken an interest in you, your health and your well being, I thought, now there's a man I would like to meet. From there it seemed to blossom and grow into the best life could give you. And that was Tom. Meeting him for the first time, I saw an honest, determined, straight forward and caring man who loved you. Our children (all grown now) saw and grew to understand the strength of character that Tom showed in who he was and all have loving memories to cherish of him.  George Bernard Shaw wrote - " Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for a moment and want to let it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on the future generations" This was Tom, as much as he tried to put a shade over his life and work, we all saw him as he was. A very noble, quiet, unassuming man with a fire for giving the best he always could. God Bless and keep your spirit safe always, Tom, and know that you are still loved and respected until you are one with your shared love for Gail. Love you both Tom and Gail.
William (Bill), Lianne, Jonathan, Daniel, Simon and Brienne Trevarthen


Colonel Palmer what to say, having so many wonderful wonderful memories, while I served under your command. You inspired me with your professionalism and kindness. I am so proud knowing you. Rest In Peace will missing you. HUHAAH 

Sincere condolences to the family and our prayers for you all during this difficult time. Reflecting back on the fond memories of service with our comrade in arms, leader and friend. Truly loved his care and concern for the Soldiers and Civilians he led at CEG-E and the War Fighter  mission he supported. He will be greatly missed.

Graydon & Linda Field

I was Colonel Palmer's Public Affairs Officer at Combat Equipment Group - Europe in Eygelshoven, Netherlands. We became a dynamic duo as he taught me the entire range of Hooahs! 
He really only gave me one direct order: "I'm Tom Palmer. Leave my given name, Herman, out of the press." 
I wonder if his tattered, red Florida State University cap made it into the Great Beyond with him...
He made us laugh, but we never, ever doubted his total devotion to the Army, his Soldiers and civilian employees - and our families.
Along the way, we became friends. And it was only after we had both moved on that he stopped calling me Mr. Fick. 
The praise he most prized was being called a "real muddy-boots Soldier." Hooah!

Gail, when you and Tom found each other, not only did you find a husband, a soul mate, and best friend but for us you picked the best new brother and friend, and uncle to our son Dylan, that we could have wished for.
Though being half a world away meant we only saw each other every few years, we will cherish the memories of those get-togethers always. We will especially miss the non-stop ‘Tom’ jokes, always met with equal parts laughter and groans.
Tom, we thank you for being all that you were to us all and especially to my sister Gail.
You will be missed. Rest in Peace mate. Ian, Heidi & Dylan. Brisbane, Australia.


My husband and I met Tom at a gathering in their home.  He was someone I felt I knew the way Gail talked about him and he made you feel right at home.  A more true love could not be found.  Gail and I quilted together for many years.  This is how I grew to know Tom.  They had an interesting meeting and Gail had loving stories of their life together.  My heart goes out to Gail and all of their family.  Tom left much too soon.  With deepest sympathy and love.  Gail I am so sorry for your loss.  Please lean on us, we love you.

COL (Ret) Palmer was my second battalion commander (7th Trans Bn “Orient Express”). He promoted me to 1LT and made me his S1/ADJ in ‘95. For 16 months, I got to see him up close and personal and I learned so much. I learned how to be a good staff officer and I learned how to lead. I didn’t see him for many years until running into him  in Iraq in 2006. Then, just a few years later I end up at CENTCOM J4.  He was one of the first people I saw there and was so relieved to know I could go to him for advice and guidance. Many times in my career when I was challenged with a difficult situation, I’d remember how he would’ve handled it, and I knew what to do. When my daughter told me she was going to Florida State, I knew he’d approve:-) God bless the family. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for supporting him so that he could serve so well for so long.

When I joined the team at CENTCOM, it was my first experience working in a joint environment, especially an Army-centric one. Tom was understanding and offered me plenty of advice that had lasting effects on my career in the Air Force. I can easily say that my success can be attributed to the mentoring I received from Tom during the time I was stationed at MacDill AFB. To a great leader, you will be missed. 

It seems so long ago when I was a Captain and showed up to USCENTCOM Headquarters in 2009.  Mr. Palmer was the Deputy Director for CCJ4-Operations and he greeted me with a cup of coffee in his hand that I went on to learn would always be filled no matter how much he drank throughout the day.  He was dedicated to the logistics profession, but also to the development of individuals as well.  I'm grateful to have known him and for his mentoring and trust in me.  My condolences to the Palmer Family.  

-Looks like you finally took a knee.  RIP Mr. Palmer.

Our paths first crossed when we were both working for the U.S. Army Europe in the late 90’s.  Our paths crossed again at U.S. Central Command a few years later, and then again after he returned from a contracting job in the Balkans, and was looking for yet another opportunity to serve his country.  I consider the opportunity to offer Tom a job one of the greatest privileges of my career.  Professional, tireless, and practiced, you could count on him to give all he had to whatever he was working.  He spoke truth to power, and never missed an opportunity to help less experienced colleagues learn their craft.  If I could only pick one person to work with, it would have been Tom.  Rest in peace dear friend.

Had the great experience of working with Tom Palmer, from the time I was an Army 03 Capitan in the 1st COSCOM 1994 till 2009 in CENTOM J4 as an Army O6 Colonel.  During these multiple assignments in peace and war, Tom was always about two things.  The mission and the soldiers.   He always made sure there was a way to get both accomplished and taken care of on time and above the standard. Often at the expense of his personal time, time away from his family and to help share his experiences while mentoring  a younger or senior military professional. Tom was a great credit to any organization and command he served in or commander.  We are a much better USA Nation, USA Military and USA Army for Tom Palmer’s service to our Nation. My prayers and condolences in this time of mourning to his family and friends. We have hope that one day you will see him again soon. “Just not today”
Respectfully COL (R) USA  Jobie Roach 

It was an honor serving with Tom during my tenure as Mobility Chief  at USCENTCOM J4 from June 2008 onward.  Tom was totally committed to the mission and to his team.  Several J4's relied on his expertise and dedication on a daily basis.  Due to his logistics successes, countless US lives were saved throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.  God bless you and your family, you will be remembered by the thousands of lives that you touched over the years.  Proverbs 27:17.  

The first time I met Tom was in Iraq in 2005. It was a cursory meeting; a handshake and a classic scrutinizing look from Tom as he sized me up.  I had no idea that two years later that I'd be working for him at CENTCOM.  

He became like a second father to me there.  In his unique way, he counseled, cared, and mentored me.  We often vented our frustration together and worked together, but I most often remember the times we would laugh together.  He had a way of breaking a negative vibe in the office with one of his off-handed comments that would send the entire office into raucous laughter.

We spent four years together at CENTCOM and my memories there will never be separated from time with him and our comrades whether it was in Tampa, Kuwait, Qatar, or even Bahrain.  I worked with Tom again while he was DLA and I was at ARCENT.

He continued to mentor me, but the tone changed as he tried to  pass the baton on to me to mentor others.  I handed the baton back and told him that he wasn't done until his time on this Earth was done.  Once again, he sized me up with that scrutinizing look and simply said, "ok" and shook my hand.  It was the last time I saw Tom, but I will never forget him, his charge to me to mentor others as he mentored me, and his service his Nation that gave so much to him.

Rest peacefully, Tom.  We'll meet again in Valhalla.

Our deepest condolensces to Gail and the Palmer family.  Tommy was a soldier's soldier and an exceptional logisitician, but more importantly, a great leader and mentor.  He took care of countless servicemen and women over the years.  One could be not be more fortunate than to have him as a battle buddy.  RIP Tommy

Tom was one of the most caring, mission-focused men I have ever served with. While he spent his adult life protecting our freedom here on earth, I'd bet he has already joined a team in heaven and continues to battle and win over evil. Strength and Honor Tom.

I first met Tom when he was Deputy of CENTCOM J4 Ops but also worked with him when he was employed with DLA.  Tom was the backbone to J4 Ops during my time.  He taught me how to write.  I'll never forget the paperwork he had written as a guide on the purpose of a staff officers job.  I wish I still had it.  

Tom was the JLC Commander (2002) at K2 in Uzbekistan.  I had the honor to serve under this one of kind Soldier.  A great leader, mentor, and Friend.  A true Friend until his recent death.  He always gave sage and well thought out advice. A Father like figure who will be dearly missed.  God bless you and yours and thank you for the years of selfless service to the Nation. RIP Tom Palmer.

I met Tom when he was Deputy of Ops at CENTCOM J4. He was a great leader and was the best Deputy of J4 Ops I saw in my 18 years there. He was outspoken and very committed to the mission of supporting the soldiers in the field. RIP my friend 

Thank you for all you have done to shape my career and the careers of so many other Soldiers.  RIP and Godspeed Tom.  

Love Herman, Lisette, Mariana and Solie.

Thank you for your service to this great country.  I appreciate how you took my son in and loved him as your own.  You raised two beautiful daughters  who I have the privilege of calling  my friends. R.I.P  Tom, you deserve it...
 

So sorry for your loss. Tom was a unique and witty soul. We hope you have plentiful warm and cherished memories to help you through this difficult time. Much love to you all. 

Survivors include his wife, Gail; daughters, Kristina (Doug) Walker and Ashley (Ricky) Secor; grandchildren, Ava, Hank, Oliver, Eleanor, James, Hattie, Opal, Charlie and Arlo; siblings, Debra Decker, William Palmer and Regina Hurley; brothers in law, Bill (Lianne) Trevarthen, Jeff (Jan) Trevarthen and Ian (Heidi) Trevarthen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

OBITUARY

Colonel Herman Thomas Palmer Jr.

28 May, 1954 – 25 June, 2020

Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

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