Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 7/23/2015
SPRINGFIELD – The death of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan of Springfield on July 16 who was killed along with three other Marines in an attack on a recruiting station in Chattanooga, TN, was felt deeply in his hometown.
His family owns Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant in the city.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “I can only imagine what they [the family] are going through.”
In light of national media attention, the family’s attorney sent out a release on July 17 asking the media to respect the privacy of the family.
Sarno said the death “hits home.”
He described Sullivan as “young and vibrant” and as a “brave warrior fighting for oppressed people overseas.” Sullivan had served two tours in Iraq and was the recipient of the Purple Heart.
Sarno called for a re-examination of the law the prohibits military personnel from carrying their weapons in this country and asked citizens to “keep their eyes and ears open … we’d rather be safe than sorry.”
President Barack Obama said on July 16, “My main message right now is, obviously, the deepest sympathies of the American people to the four Marines that have been killed. It is a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion.
“And although the families are still in the process of being contacted,” he continued, “I want them to know that I speak for the American people in expressing our deepest condolences, and knowing that they have our full support as they try to overcome the grief that's involved here.”
In a statement also released by the Pentagon on July 16, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said, “The tragedy in Chattanooga is both devastating and senseless. On behalf of the entire Department of the Navy family, I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wounded in service to our nation during this incident.”
Congressman Richard Neal said, “It was with profound sadness that I learned that Sgt. Thomas Sullivan was killed yesterday in a pointless act of violence at a military installation in Tennessee. He was a young man who served his country with honor and distinction and had his whole life ahead of him.
“Raised in East Forest Park, and a graduate of Cathedral High School, Tommy Sullivan represented the best of what Springfield has to offer. He was a bright, courageous and charismatic individual who proudly wore the uniform of the Marine Corps to defend the country he loved. In so many, he was the personification the Marine Corps motto: ‘Always Faithful.’ He was loyal to his family, friends and the extraordinary men and women in the armed forces he served with. We will all greatly miss this brave American hero.”
He concluded, “During this time of sorrow, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the entire Sullivan family. It is hard to imagine the heartbreak and grief they are experiencing on the sudden loss of their son. Rest assured, they will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”
Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski, the bishop of Springfield, said, “I join with the voices of others in our community and Church in expressing my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of U.S. Marine Thomas Sullivan whose life was so tragically taken yesterday in Tennessee.
“As a decorated member of our nation’s armed forces, he represented all that is good about our country, upholding our values and a willingness to put the needs of others ahead of self. Through his tours of duty, he sought to bring stability to corners of the globe too often visited by senseless violence.
“At the same time he was a beloved son and brother, loved dearly by his family and fondly remembered by the Cathedral High School community as an upstanding student and alumnus.
“I ask the entire diocesan community to remember Thomas Sullivan, and offer prayers of consolation for his family this weekend at all Masses.
“And finally, let us all – those of every faith tradition – recommit ourselves to the cause of peace and understanding so that such misguided killings may not keep taking place.”