Captain Thomas J. Casey, an Army military intelligence officer and beloved family man, tragically lost his life on January 3, 2008, at the age of 32, during a mission in Iraq. Captain Casey died trying to save one of his friends during an insurgent attack in As Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad. His sacrifice was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his duty and the defense of his fellow soldiers.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Captain Casey graduated from Albuquerque Academy in 1993. His childhood friend, Danny Brown, reflected on their shared past, noting Casey’s innate leadership qualities evident even in their school days. These qualities would later define his military service. Captain Casey next attended New Mexico State University and later the University of New Mexico, earning degrees in Spanish and Portuguese. He chose to enlist in the Army upon graduation and entered the Army linguistics program. The Army sent him to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, where he met his wife Leslie.
A linguist for the Army, Captain Casey met his wife, Leslie, at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. They married in October 1998 and built a life together that included two young children, ages 3 and 1 at the time of his passing. His friends described him as an amazing family man and noticed that Captain Casey prioritized every moment with his wife and children during his limited free time. He left the enlisted ranks as a Sergeant and joined the private sector. A year later he was back in the Army. He deployed to Iraq in June 2007 with a Military Transition Team.
During the fatal mission in As Sadiyah, Captain Casey exhibited extraordinary courage and leadership. In response to an insurgent attack that claimed the life of his officer in charge Major Andrew J. Olmsted, Captain Casey valiantly engaged the sniper responsible, ultimately sacrificing his own life to provide cover and attempt the recovery of his fallen comrade.
In recognition of his heroic actions, the Army posthumously awarded Captain Casey the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the fourth-highest combat award in the U.S. Armed Forces. The award ceremony took place at Fort Riley, Kansas, where his father, John J. Casey, accepted the medal on behalf of his son.
In memory of Captain Thomas J. Casey’s legacy, his family and the Albuquerque Academy established the Tom Casey Memorial Fund, ensuring that his virtues of work ethic, integrity, loyalty, and perseverance continue to inspire future generations. The scholarship, funded in perpetuity, was awarded annually to a student who exemplifies the qualities that defined Captain Casey’s life.
Captain Casey is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their two sons, Joseph and Michael. His memory lives on through the lives he touched, the soldiers he led, and the community that honors his sacrifice.
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