Thomas Hamburger

Thomas was born on September 23, 2003, at St Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He attended Abita Springs Elementary where he became a part of the gifted program. He continued in the gifted program through Abita Springs Middle School and into Fontainebleau Junior and High School. He graduated from A+ Help Home School in Mandeville, LA at 16 years old.

In childhood Thomas participated in soccer, tee ball, and baseball with the Abita Springs Recreation District. He also practiced karate and earned his way up to a brown belt. He was a life scout as a member of the Cub Scouts in Abita Springs and Boy Scouts Troop 610 where he participated in many summer camps earning many achievements. He also joined the JROTC at Fontainebleua Junior High School and visited Washington DC with fellow students during the Close-Up Program.

Thomas was always a soldier at heart. As a young boy he pretended to patrol his neighborhood wearing his storm trooper helmet. He continued to improve his skills with karate, cub scouts, boy scouts, and additional physical endurance experiences with the JROTC.

Thomas accompanied his family on many vacations over the years. He was introduced to hiking in the Smokey Mountains as a young boy and completed many miles of trails and often went white water rafting. He loved riding roller coasters, attending live music concerts and all types of gaming platforms where he could connect with his friends near and far.

After High School, Thomas joined the United States Army and completed his OSUT training with the Bravo Company 2nd Battalion 58th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, GA. He then completed airborne training and became a Specialist of the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon.

During his time with the 82nd Airborne Division his unit was deployed to Poland to represent the United States at the beginning of the war in Ukraine. He then returned to the U.S. to finish his time with the division at Fort Bragg, NC.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Thomas returned to Europe to volunteer for the National Guard of Ukraine, Khartia brigade, 4th Specialised Infantry Battalion, 11th Company, 1st Platoon “Misfits”. He tragically passed away during the performance of a combat mission in the east of Ukraine, near the village of Zelene, Kharkiv region. His fellow soldiers recently conducted a Memorial service for him in Ukraine.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved and faithful canine companion Forest and feline friends Edward and Alice who met him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Thomas is survived by his mother and stepfather, Sarah Hamburger Cavalier & Derrin Cavalier; grandparents Paul & Nancy Hamburger; godfather and Uncle Joey (Monica) Hamburger; godmother Andrea (Kevin) Crowe; and stepbrothers Ryan (Megan) Cavalier, Connor (Aurelie) Cavalier, and Derrin Cavalier II. Thomas also leaves behind a large family of relatives who hold him dearly in their hearts: aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who are extended family. Throughout his life Thomas was surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Please join his family as they honor Thomas with a Memorial Visitation starting at 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington) with a Memorial Service that will be held on Friday April 10, 2026 starting at 2:00 PM at Grace Funeral Home in Covington, LA.