Patriot Guard Riders

On May 9th as Tom was headed to join the Run For The Wall Motorcycle Ride to honor others he was in a terrible accident in Arizona. After a lengthy stay in Las Vegas medical facilities he became an Angel on November 15, 2015.

Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, he attended Bishop Ryan High School, Minot, North Dakota, graduating in 1965. Senior Chief LaDoux enlisted in the Navy in March 1966. After completing recruit training at RTC San Diego, CA, in June 1966, Senior Chief LaDoux reported to the USS CAMDEN (AOE-2) Precommissioning Detail at NOB Norfolk, VA. During his tour aboard USS CAMDEN he was advanced to SM3 and elected for advancement to SM2 in April 1969. Following his tour aboard USS CAMDEN, Senior Chief was honorably released from active duty in November 1969.

In April 1970, Senior Chief LaDoux enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and upon completion of recruit training at MCRD San Diego, CA, he reported to Company “K” Marine Support Battalion, Pensacola, FL, for duty as a student in CTR “A” School. Subsequent duty stations include: the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA; Company “D” MARSPTBN, Torii Station Okinawa; Company “F’ MARSPTBN Rota, Spain; and H&S Company, 2nd Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. During his seven and one-half years in the Marine Corps, Senior Chief LaDoux served in a variety of jobs as an “R” Brancher, most notably six months onboard USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) during the last months of the Vietnam War. He was promoted to staff sergeant in 1976 and honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in January 1977.

Senior Chief LaDoux affiliated with the Naval Reserves in August 1978 and returned to active duty as a CTR1 in October 1980. His first assignment was NSGA Misawa serving in surface Direct Support. Upon completion of that tour in April 1985, Senior Chief LaDoux opted to stay on one ship for a tour and chose OUTBOARD and USS LONG BEACH (CGN-9). Following his USS LONG BEACH tour, Senior Chief LaDoux reported to the National Cryptologic School at Ft. Meade, MD, for CK-155 School. During this time he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. After graduation, Chief LaDoux reported to NSGA Galeta Island, Panama, where he served as OWC, A&R Chief, Collection Division Chief, and Operations Department Chief. Following Instructor Training School at Naval Training Center, San Diego, in November 1987. Senior Chief LaDoux reported to the Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific, for duty as instructor in the OUTBOARD 7B4 Trainer. In April 1990, Senior Chief LaDoux was selected and frocked to Senior Chief Petty Officer. Later that year he was also selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Senior NCO Academy at Gunter AFB, AL. In March 1991, Senior Chief LaDoux reported to the Defense and Naval Attaché’ London for assignment to the Personnel Exchange Program and duty as an OUTBOARD instructor with the Royal Navy at the Special Communications Unit, Leydene. In July 1993, Senior Chief LaDoux reported to the Staff. Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Fleet for duty as the HFDF Coordinator.

Senior Chief LaDoux’s decorations include: the Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Navy Good Conduct Medal (3), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal (3), Sea Service Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (4), Air Force Professional Military Education Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal and Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

Tom’s passions were reading, riding his motorcycle, teaching rider’s edge classes for 15 years and the Run For The Wall. He also enjoyed Duke Bourbon Whiskey (John Wayne – Duke). He loved to read, listen to Mozart and Beethoven and was a volunteer with the Albuquerque Police Department for ten years.

PRIMARY STAGING INFO – 01-25-2016 12:00 (Noon)
Location:
Thunderbird Harley
5000 Alamada
Albuquerque, NM

KSU – 12:30 to escort Tom to his final resting place. There will be a police escort to the cemetery:

Gate of Heaven Cemetery
7999 Wyoming
Albuquerque, NM

Flag line at cemetery for 1:30 (13:30) Service

After the services, everyone is invited back to Thunderbird for refreshments. Around 2:30, the Governor’s Office will make a presentation and you can share Tom’s “stories”.

RCIC: Alfredo Gomez – Gomez6801@gmail.com – 505-573-6801
ARCIC: Dan Rambow – dan48041@yahoo.com – 505-994-1060

Flags will be provided. Large Motorcycle flags are welcome. Weather 47° Sunny, at time of services.