The Homegoing of A Great American

by Joe Ponder

On May 1, 2006, Thomas G. Forrest, President, Swift Boat Sailors Association, passed away. "Tommy Trees," as many of us Swiftees affectionately called him, lost his long battle with cancer. To many of us, if not all, Tommy was a very dear friend and a special person. He was a natural leader who enjoyed assisting his fellow-man when possible. Tommy easily made friends with everyone he met. He never said an unkind word about anyone, instead he was always praising others. Tommy indeed was a giant of a gentle man. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Tommy never sought praise or accolades for himself, but rather enjoyed praising others for their labor and deeds. Tom Forrest was certainly a patriot, hero, and a great American.

At the time of Tommy's death, he and his lovely wife, Marguerite, resided in Harper Woods (near Detroit), Michigan. Since Tommy was born and reared in the Levittown, PA, area (located a few minutes north of Philadelphia), and most of Tommy's family resides there, Tommy's final Viewing, Christian Mass, and Burial was held in the Levittown vicinity.

On Sunday evening, May 7th, a contingency of 10 well-dressed Swift Boat Veterans and four of their wives gathered from around the country at the James Dougherty Funeral Home in Levittown, to view the body of our departed brother and to comfort and express our condolences to Marguerite, her sister, Maryann Busser; Tommy's sister, Susan Poserina; his three brothers, Bryan, John, and James, and other family members and friends. We were informed that Tommy was the eldest (60) of the five siblings.

Those Swifties who attended Tommy's viewing and funeral services were Admiral Roy Hoffmann, Raul Herrera, Gene Hart, Chris and Dave Wallace, Barbara and Tuck Brant, Anita and Ken Briggs, Ed Bergin, Jim Deal, Dan Daly, Rebecca and Joe Ponder.

Once we entered the viewing room, we noticed two Vietnam Veterans in combat jungle uniforms with weapons, standing as honor guards near Tommy's casket. Later we learned the honor guards were representatives of a local Vietnam Veterans organization that Tommy assisted in organizing.

There was quite a gathering of people inside the viewing room, so we stood in line a few minutes to sign the Guest Registry. Upon signing the Guest Registry we were able to move along to hug and converse with Marguerite before paying our respects to Tommy. Marguerite is a very extraordinarily warm, kind and wonderful person. She was strong and very composed as we spoke with her. As a matter of fact, I believe Marguerite comforted us more than we did her. Oh, and was she ever proud of her husband's casket...it leaned towards a brilliant Navy gray.

Most of us in our group also had the opportunity to view the many beautiful floral arrangements that were sent in from around the country. The cards that accompanied each arrangement were too numerous to mention in this article. Tommy's family also had several photo collage displays of Tommy set up around the room. One of the displays showed Tommy growing up as a young lad with his sister, bothers and parents. Another display pictured Tommy serving in the Navy on Swift Boats in Vietnam on various operations with fellow Swiftmates. Yet another display featured photos of the many happy moments Tommy experienced with his buddies at various Swift Boat Sailors Association events and projects. There were also photos displayed of the many successful fishing adventures Tommy enjoyed.

As we worked our way around the viewing room we finally met Tommy's sister and his three brothers. After talking to Susan, Bryan, Johnny and Jim, it was easy to determine that Tommy came from a very loving and caring family that continues to have strong ties.
By the way, Tommy's father and all of his brothers served in our Armed Forces, with each of them serving in a different branch.

Two astonishing things that immediately struck all of us from meeting Tommy's brothers is how they all resemble Tommy's facial characteristics and how much they sound exactly like Tommy when they spoke. After Tommy's viewing we Swifties all returned to our hotel and ate dinner together, then retired to our respective rooms for the evening.

The next morning, Monday, May 8th, at 9:30 we assembled at St. Frances Cabrini Church, to celebrate a Christian Mass for Tommy. The services concluded with the singing of the Navy Hymn by the congregation.

Afterwards, our funeral procession traveled approximately 5-6 miles to Tommy's gravesite located in the Resurrection Cemetery. This is the same cemetery where both of Tommy's parents are buried. Tommy was carried to his final resting place by his brothers, Bryan and James, and his nephew, John Forrest (Johnny's son), and his brother-in-law, Susan's husband, Steve Poserina, and Raul Herrera. Tommy's graveside service concluded with rendering military honors, with a rifle volley salute from his veteran honor guard, the playing of Taps by a bugler, and the folding of the American Flag by two uniformed Navy veterans in dress whites, followed with the Flag presentation to Marguerite.

Following the graveside service, all attendees were invited to attend a luncheon reception at the local Sheraton Hotel, which all Swifties present attended. During this event Raul, Tuck and Gene formally presented Marguerite with genuine "Bravo Zulu" flags (donated by Bob Bolger) for taking such wonderful care of Tommy all through his final battle. By the way, the food at the reception was very delicious and everyone also enjoyed the fellowship. I have a great photo of Marguerite laughing at this event with Rebecca and I. I know Tommy must have been looking down from above with approval and a smile on his face regarding how he was remembered and honored. Thanks to Tommy, he certainly left a better world for us. Rest in Peace our brother!

Please remember to pray for Marguerite, she needs our prayers.