Tommy L. Lewis
Tommy L. Lewis of Sallisaw will do the same thing on Veterans Day that he does every day of his life, he says.
Tommy L. Lewis of Sallisaw will do the same thing on Veterans Day that he does every day of his life, he says.
He will go outside, look up at the American flag, snap to attention, salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
“It’s something I believe everyone should do every day,” says Lewis, a U.S. Army veteran.
Lewis, 79, served in the Army from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. During that time, he spent 18 months in Vietnam. He has made several sacrifices for his country physically, mentally and career wise, but has few regrets for having served the country he loves.
“I was drafted in 1966. I had just completed college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and at Wilburton, and had earned a teaching degree. I was 25 years old at the time, and just at the beginning of my teaching career,” he says.
He taught industrial art for several years “until Uncle Sam called me.”
After leaving the service in 1969, Lewis began working in construction. After gaining some knowledge and experience about the business, he purchased his own construction company. He also met and married his wife, Betty. The couple has five children together and nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. They have made Sallisaw their home for many years.
When Lewis was in better health, he said he enjoyed hunting, and would still hunt if his body would allow it. He also enjoys watching sports such as basketball, football and baseball.
“I lost my hearing when I was in the service. I also lost my ability to teach. That’s been my main regret from being in the service,” he says.
Due to several health problems, Lewis has been a resident in a nursing home for the past 10 months. He says his wife also has worse health issues than he does, and both decided he would receive better care in the nursing home.
“I’m thankful there is a flag in front of the building. When I first came here, I asked if they would put up a new flag. The old one was kind of frazzled. I stood there and watched as the new one went up,” he recalls.
“I believe the flag should be lowered and raised every day. I would also like to see it at half mast when we have a veteran here who passes. That flag represents me and my country,” Lewis says.
“I lost some friends fighting for this country, but I’m not the only one. Many families have lost a father, son, brother or just someone they love in the service, and this flag represents all the sacrifices and lives that have been lost.
“I hope no one has to go through some of the things I went through or see some of the things I have seen,” he says.
“But for those who have, I salute the flag for you … everyday.
“Thank you for your service.”
Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie or Lynn at 918-775-4433.
