GMU Brother Killed in Line of Duty

Phi Kappa Theta brother Tom Brown joined the United States Army because he “wanted to serve his country. He wanted to make a difference,” said his twin brother Timothy Brown (VA Gamma Mu, 2005) to The Washington Post.

Tom Brown, 26, a 2004 graduate of George Mason University and an alumnus of the Virginia Gamma Mu Chapter, was killed in the line of duty on September 23 when his patrol came under small-arms fire about 60-miles north of Baghdad, Iraq. He will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in December. Brown, who was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, completed both ranger and airborne training before being deployed.

He grew up in Shelton, Connecticut where he played varsity soccer in high school and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. At GMU, he majored in government and international politics and was a good friend to his chapter brothers.

“He was a fantastic person, a true brother and he taught us all what friendship really means,” said Marvin Singh (VA Gamma Mu, 2001), his big brother in the chapter. “He always put his fellow brothers and chapter before himself. He was always first in line to volunteer to do things that nobody else wanted to do and he never complained.”

His chapter brothers recall his personality and character.

“I remember perfectly his sense of humor, his remarkable sense of bearing and an intensity of character that was impossible not to find compelling,” said Thomas Palumbo (VA Gamma Mu, 2001).

“Tom was just a magnet for people,” said Gene Granger (VA Gamma Mu, 2004). “He was the kind of guy who attracted so many friends who were completely devoted to him because of his infectious enthusiasm and selfless nature. Tom made powerful and lasting impressions with people, which makes his loss all the more difficult for so many of us.”

Tom Brown’s family said he always dreamed of joining the military.

“He joined the military knowing what he was doing and it’s what he wanted,” Tim Brown told a New England television station. “[We] lost someone special a couple of days ago because he’s one of the people in life that you meet and you really take something with you from him.” Tim is a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Arizona.

Phi Kap brothers and friends are paying tribute to Tom Brown on a Facebook page by posting memories and photos of him. A fellow GMU alum wrote, “Tom was a wonderful person and friend. He will be deeply missed.” Another said, “We were lucky to have you as a friend.”

Memorials contributions, in lieu of flowers, should be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attention: Tribute/Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.