Thomas Martin Kauffman

Marine, father, grandfather and friend departed this life on December 25th at Sunrise of Springfield, VA. A combat veteran of both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, Tom was proud to wear the globe and anchor for 28 years (1951-1979).

Born and raised in Audubon, Iowa, Tom was an All-State center and linebacker. A gifted athlete, Tom lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. He played golf and ran six days a week into his 70s. The first in his family to attend college, he won a scholarship to play football for the University of Iowa where he earned the first of his two engineering degrees in 1950. Next to family and the Corps, football was a lifelong love.

For his Vietnam service as commander of a Marine Corps Air Control Squadron, Tom received the Legion of Merit with Combat “V.” His Cold War service included Joint Chiefs of Staff duty as a team commander of the National Emergency Airborne Command Post. Tom was presented with a second Legion of Merit (Gold Star in lieu of the second award) for his work as Director of the Marine Corps and Amphibious Division of the Naval Electronics Systems Command from 1973 until his retirement from the Corps.

After briefly working in private industry, Tom concluded his professional career consulting directly with the Saudi Arabian Air Defense Forces. He was acknowledged for his work in support of HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan, the first ADF Commander, in equipping the allied Country’s air defense network in the years leading up to the Gulf War.

Tom enjoyed travel, spending summers in Colorado and enjoying many trips oversees with his wife of 60 years; Carolyn Kauffman who proceeded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Duane and is survived by his younger brother, Larry of Hot Springs, Arkansas and family. Tom’s memory is held dear by his immediate family: son Dana Kauffman, a NOVA Community College director and former Fairfax County Supervisor, daughter-in-law Kathy and proud grandson Ethan, all of Alexandria. He also remained very close to his niece Carol Sue French of Manila, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery both on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation or to the charity you hold most dear.