Veterans Day: Thomas Rutherford Sr.

May 1962 to September 1984 U.S. Marine Corps

October 1984 to June 2001 Space & Defense

Captain (PFC-GySGT-CWO-3)

Tom helped defend America for 39 years (immense family sacrifice).

Close combat in Vietnam and invasion of Grenada. Vast experience in special combat operations, extremely sensitive national security endeavors, and international intelligence activities.

• Nominated for Battlefield Commission. Honored by three U.S. Presidents for gallantry in combat and physical fitness

• Infantry Platoon and Counterintelligence Team Cmdr/Intelligence Officer (Distinguished Graduate Counterintelligence)

• Drill Instructor/Embassy Guard/Marksmanship, Leadership, and Physical Fitness Instructor

• BS Psychology (magna cum laude); Masters Management

• Guest of President Reagan for classified mission into Grenada

• Letters from President Johnson, Assistant Sec. of Defense, and Stan Musial as nominee for National Physical Fitness Award

• Boy Scout Leader & American Youth Activities of Year (awarded by Middle East Ambassador Hart)

• First Marine since OSS to receive “special” training by CIA (Distinguished graduate)

• One of 40 Drill Instructors in decade to receive coveted DI of Quarter and Leatherneck Awards

• Top Five at Officer’s Candidate School

• Student Government of Year Award/President of Honor Society/ Bank of America Scholarship

• Favorite Commanding Officer: LtCol Richard F. Risner (POW escapee)

• Special Training: “Behind enemy lines” reconnaissance and fire support

• Produced and directed televised Armed Forces Show (Marine assault on fortified position)

• Principle Staff Officer (Wash D.C.) responsible for supporting intelligence systems afloat for Navy and USMC, worldwide-Nuclear Carriers, Amphibious Assault Ships and Special Operations. Briefed White House, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commandant of USMC, Director, NSA, others. Vice Admiral Tuttle, “one of the most significant intelligence contributions, ever!”

• Recipient of Super Achiever and Significant Accomplishment Awards

• Assignments in CIA, FBI, NIS, Human Intelligence, Imagery Intelligence and Presidential Protective Services

• Provided special security for Strategic Defense Center (Star Wars). For 19 years, Security Director for nation’s highest classified, waived, Special Access Program and numerous ultra secret “Black” programs

• Expertise in counterespionage, sabotage, subversion, international terrorism and hostage negotiations

• Declassified program- B-2 Stealth Bomber

• 1st Staff Counterintelligence Officer of 7th Marine Amphibious Brigade (Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force)

• Certificate of Recognition from Sec Air Force (Space: “historic achievements that will have a profound effect on national security”)