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A 96th birthday celebration for Mr. Tom Shultz, affectionately known as ‘Pop’ to all who know and love him. He is an Army veteran and is celebrating his 96th birthday. Tom and his wife were residents of Columbus until his wife’s death. He now resides in Schulenburg but often returns to Columbus to visit friends and family. Shultz was honored with a party with friends the evening of June 25 to honor his life and his military service. Dale Alexander spoke of Tom’s service, honoring him as a veteran and as a friend. Tom’s name is on a small placard on the wall in the War Memorial.
Thomas Tolbert Shultz was born June 25, 1929, in Texon, Texas, an oil town that no longer exists, except through pictures donated by Tom which are on display in the Museum in Midland, Tx.. His father and crew brought in the first oil well in the small town. After the oil dried up, his family moved many times.
When Tom was 21yrs old, he began his service in the U.S. Army at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. Received basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina with 31st Dixie Tank Company. Training maneuvers included mock warfare between the 31st Dixie Division and the 82nd Airborne division. During this training, 105 mil. gun was fired directly over his head as he was entering his tank which caused a loss of hearing.
Because of his hearing loss and excellent clerical skills, he remained stateside, eventually serving at Camp Atterbury, Indiana where he served the rest of his enlistment in charge of office and personnel files.
Eventually Tom found his way into banking which led to 27yrs of employment with the U.S. Treasury Dept. His work sent him all over the world examining international banks to determine the status of bank records. He also spent time in Washington D.C. organizing the International Banking school for examiners of the FDIC, US TREASURY AND FEDERAL RESERVE.
Upon retirement, Tom and his wife sold their home and bought a motorbike. They covered not only the US but also Canada and Mexico for 14 mo. Then built a home in Arizona and still continued traveling for a few months at a time for 8 years.
They eventually moved back to Texas.
This event was held at Lamberto’s Brandon House Bistro.
