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<p><em>Thomas Ellis Kopp </em>loved the Army. His interest in the military inspired him to attend Saint Francis Xavier High School in New York City. It was a demanding, Jesuit high school that featured a Junior ROTC program with a long military heritage. Like many Xavier graduates, Tom gained an appointment to West Point, his dream. </p>
<p>At West Point, Tom probably had it easier than most cadets because he was quick thinking and savvy about the Army. Academics were never a problem for him. He also benefitted from good habits acquired in high school. Most importantly, he enjoyed the regular companionship of his nearby childhood sweetheart, Judy Knaus, to the envy of his roommates. This also helped mitigate the stresses of cadet life.</p>
<p>Tom and Judy married soon after graduation, in June 1960, and left for basic infantry, airborne, and Ranger training. His first assignment was with the 24th Infantry Division near Augsburg, Germany. He began as a platoon leader in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry. The following year he was selected to be the company executive officer. He then served as battalion assistant S-3 (operations), followed by a turn as liaison officer to the division noncommissioned officers’ academy. His final job was on division staff as assistant S-3 for air operations, completing a well-grounded, three-year exposure in an Army preparing to help defend NATO allies against overwhelming Warsaw Pact forces in Central Europe.</p>
<p>Following his tour in Europe, Tom was assigned as a company commander at the Army Training Center at Fort Polk, LA. He was responsible for basic combat training of new Army recruits.</p>
<p>After four years of active-duty service, Tom and Judy decided to seek a more stable life in Waldwick, NJ, while retaining his military affiliation with the Reserve and New Jersey National Guard. He commanded a company and served in the 50th Armored Division for 17 years. In this division, he commanded a supply and transport battalion and served as the division G-4 (logistics) and led the division support command. Tom also attended the Army Command and General Staff College. In sum, Colonel Kopp served in all three components of the Army—active duty, Reserve, and National Guard—during a 30-year military career. </p>
<p>Tom’s 30-year civilian career was with the phone company during the transformation of the industry. In an era before the Internet, the phone provided vital communications that connected Americans. When Tom joined Bell, the industry featured telephone operators (famously characterized by Lily Tomlin), often depicted in front of a huge switchboard, amusingly plugging in a confusing maze of phone cable connections. Tom was responsible for 1,000 such operators in one of the largest phone districts. The breakup of phone companies between 1974 and 1984 required divestitures of companies that monopolized local and long-distance calls, along with phone production and sales. Tom was at the center of the thorny issue of how best to allocate the costs and revenues of long-distance and local calls. Meanwhile, the name of his company changed from New Jersey Bell to AT&T and then to Bell Atlantic, while at the same time technology, including computers and satellites, revolutionized phone companies. Given his experience in such transitions, Tom was called to Brazil to assist in the privatization of the national phone service.</p>
<p>Tom also unselfishly served his church and town. He was a councilman for three years. He ushered at church and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, local food kitchens for the homeless, and disaster relief efforts. At home, he loved reading and whittling wood. He carved a set of chess pieces featuring West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen. Military issues were frequently on his mind.</p>
<p>Tom and Judy’s proudest accomplishments were raising their six children: Thomas E. Jr. (1962), Lynn (1963), David (1965), Laurie (1968), Brian (1972), and Glenn (1973). Thirteen grandchildren were added to their legacies. Family was his top priority. In this and his other pursuits, Tom was guided by his faith. Throughout his long life (85 years) he made himself available to help others and he never complained. </p>
<p>Well Done! </p>
<p><em>— Judy and G-1 Classmates</em></p>
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