USA Ret. Ltc Frank Tom Blanda

Tom was born in Youngwood, PA in 1940 to Mary and Michael Blanda. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1961 where he excelled both academically and athletically. Tom received a Masters Degree in mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1969.

Tom was a 1975 graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He then served on the faculty at West Point for three years. His 24 years of Military service included two tours of duty in Viet Nam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and as an advisor to a Vietnamese Army unit. He also served with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with CINCPAQ in Hawaii, and with the Command and General Staff at the Pentagon.

He was serving at Fifth Army at Fort Sam Houston Texas when he retired in 1985. Tom's military career is highlighted with numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Upon retirement, he pursued his love of teaching mathematics at Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, the University of Incarnate Word, and the Texas Military Institute.

He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary Blanda, three brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Blanda of San Antonio; daughters, Juli Blanda of Seguin, Holly Hershfelt and husband Jef of Spicewood, and Mary "Katy" Blanda of San Antonio; grandchildren, Thomas Pierce, Frank Toby Blanda, and Ruby Hershfelt; sister, Maragaret Yakubisin of Youngwood, Pa; brothers, George Blanda of Chicago, IL, Paul Blanda of Sebring, FL, and John Blanda of Columbus, OH: and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the general scholarship fund at TMI in his name.