Thomas Edward Bandzul Esq.

a long battle with CLL, which he faced fearlessly over the past several years.

During his life, Thomas was a grandpa, father, son, brother, and to many a friend. He was an Air Force veteran who, for the past 12 years, fought for his fellow veterans — working with Veterans

for Common Sense and Veterans and Military Families for Progress. Whether it was drafting a bill or lobbying the halls of Congress, Thomas was a fierce advocate. One of his proudest

moments was seeing the PACT Act signed into law by President Joe Biden, a bill he contributed to, and he was also instrumental in several other pieces of legislation that have benefited veterans everywhere.

Thomas was born in Cambridge, MA in 1951 to Frank and Beatrice Bandzul on Thorndike Street. He lost both of his parents during his childhood, an experience that helped shape the man he would become. After high school, he joined the Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in New Mexico, where, after he got out of the Air Force, he became a police officer with the Clovis Police Department. During this time, he also returned to school to earn his Bachelor's Degree. Shortly after graduating, Thomas returned to Massachusetts, where he began a career in computer science and met Carol, with whom he would have three children: John, Missy, and Jay. Over the course of his life, he lived in several states, including Missouri, where he attended the University of Missouri at Columbia for law school. He then returned to Northern Virginia, which he considered home.

Thomas is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John and Kate Bandzul of Buckhead, GA; his daughter, Missy Bandzul of Hinesville, GA; his child, Jay Bandzul of Hinesville, GA; his grandson, Cam; his granddaughter, Morgan; and several nieces and nephews. He was

preceded in death by his grandson, Alasdair.

Thomas was a devoted supporter of law enforcement, veterans, and military families. He loved football, music, cigars, and good scotch whiskey. Above all, he loved his family and wanted

nothing more than their success.

Thomas has requested that his family hold a private service. If you would like to honor his life and remember Thomas, please consider donating to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), or your local veterans service organization.

Rest easy, Thomas — Dad. While you weren't perfect, you were our Dad and Grandpa, and we are grateful for that. Your service here on earth is done. We have the watch.