CFK President Gueverra: Memorial Day Remembrance of Service Members, Coast Guard Veteran & Alumnus

KEY WEST, FL, May 23, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys honors veterans and military service men and women each Memorial Day and Veterans Day through a “salute” from CFK President and CEO Dr. Jonathan Gueverra.

“As we prepare to usher in the unofficial start of summer with backyard barbecues, boating, and fireworks, I ask the community to join the CFK Family to reflect on why this day is important. Memorial Day is a time to honor the memories of those who died for our country. It is a time for heroes, both those who have fallen and those who are still living. We thank our military, as well as law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and other first responders for working tirelessly to protect American lives.

CFK is grateful to all service men and women and their families for their commitment and sacrifices, and for their continued service to protect our lives and our freedom. Over the years, the College has benefitted from the contributions of many veterans. Each one deserves special recognition. This Memorial Day, I salute Tommy Faulkenberry, who passed away last August at the young age of 44. He was a CFK alumnus, a retired Coast Guard Lieutenant, an avid diver and ocean lover, and a champion for veterans.

Tommy embarked on his career in the United States Coast Guard in 1999. His 16 years of active duty included service across four states—California, Hawaii, Texas, Rhode Island—and Washington D.C. He was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and received the Commandant’s Award when he graduated. Tommy was as a diver in the enlisted ranks and served in several other positions as well. He eventually worked his way to becoming the Commanding Officer of the USCG Cutter DORADA, responsible for all missions, safety, maintenance, personnel, law enforcement, and community relations of the 87-foot patrol boat. During his service, he responded to many harrowing situations, including plane crashes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, with bravery and tenacity. His wife, Lucy, recently recalled a story of how, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he famously hotwired a school bus and used it to save numerous stranded people from the flood. He earned various personal decorations in recognition of his achievements including a Meritorious Service Medal, a Commandant Leadership Award, and an Armed Forces Service Medal.

Later in his military career, Tommy became the USCG Diving Program Manager, overseeing all subsurface capabilities of the USCG and establishing a permanent career path for divers in the Coast Guard.

After retiring from the Coast Guard in 2015, Tommy continued to follow his passion for diving and the ocean. As a volunteer for Combat Wounded Veterans Challenge, he taught veterans how to dive for recreation and therapy. One dive excursion with the non-profit took him to Key West. Soon thereafter, he relocated to the island and bought a sailboat with the dream to eventually sail around the world. To further train for a civilian career, Tommy enrolled in classes at The College of the Florida Keys. He earned an associate degree in Marine Environmental Technology and a Professional Research Diving certificate. Tommy was an exemplary student who would mentor classmates, especially veterans like himself.

In the community, he was involved with local military organizations and was known to go the extra mile to connect with fellow veterans to help them find the resources they needed. Tommy was also a loving husband and father to four sons. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his passion for helping people, his love of the ocean, and his service to our country.

On behalf of the CFK Family, I salute U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Thomas Faulkenberry this Memorial Day. We will continue to value his contributions and dedication to our country and community. His service is an inspiration to all.”