Page 3 - PGA Community News - December '20

December 2020 December 2020 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 3

From The Editor: Second Chances

This is the month in which emerging need for battle-field intelligence calling for even lead role in raising money for charities and, in particular,
we focus on the birth of higher levels of precision flight and a “can do” attitude that fundraising for Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North
the child, Jesus, that would overcomes fear of the unknown. Palm Beach.
change the course of history. On February 12, 1945 Tom started his flight from a I called Tom, St. Thomas Moore, after the English saint,
We are reminded of the runway in San Severo, Italy. Before the plane could reach Sir Thomas More. Tom’s deep spirituality touched so many
impact one life has on so sufficient height, it lost power and Tom crashed. The plane lives and brought them hope and peace. As I ponder the
many others. burst into flames and Tom managed to crawl onto a wing great achievements of so many, it is the challenges that life
Most of us have one birth. and then onto the ground – aware that an explosion was presents them that makes them strong and develop a desire
Then there are those who imminent. Tom’s body was unrecognizable when the rescue to lead others on their path through life.
have a second. team arrived. He was pronounced dead and his grandfather If Tom had died on February 12, 1945, he would have
Tom Moore was born and step-grandmother, Hannah, were notified in Brooklyn. been remembered by hundreds of people. Through his rebirth
right before Christmas in They prayed for Tom’s soul which they believed had joined after the plane accident and the additional 67 years on this
1922. Before he reached the age of 3, Tom’s mother died his parents and sister in heaven - another funeral service for earth, Tom’s life is remembered by tens of thousands of us.
giving birth to his sister, Kathleen, – followed a few months the Moore family. I see Tom smiling down from heaven letting us know that he
later by the death of Kathleen. Next Tom experienced the Tom’s body had been transported from the site of the will guide us on our journey. I am one of many who thank
death of his grandmother and finally his father. Tom was accident. One doctor refused to give up and pumped Tom’s the Lord for the second chance He gave to Tom Moore.
an orphan before he turned 5. His perception of his home body with an experimental medication to fight the infection Until next month…
was dominated by death and funerals. It seemed to Tom that that was present from the severe burns and ingestion of James A. Cioffi, Editor
people lived for a short time before God called them home. fuel. He slept at the foot of Tom’s bed for days and took full james@jcclaw.com
Tom was placed in the home of relatives until his responsibility for the outcome of his efforts. Within a short P.S. If you have an extraordinary story of a World War II
grandfather re-married a wonderful woman, Hannah Guthrie, time Tom’s body responded to the administration of the veteran, please forward it to me.
who changed Tom’s perspective on life. Tom excelled in antibiotic. Ironically the doctor’s name was Dr. Lord. His
school with her guidance and finally attended Brooklyn efforts allowed Tom a rebirth – a new life. The experimental
Technical High School. Tom preferred to be outside of the medication was penicillin!
home as much as possible when not studying and excelled For five months Tom was under the care of the doctor. Commissioner’s Update from page 1
in sports. He was invited to play baseball for the Brooklyn When Tom gained strength to communicate, the death
Dodgers before World War II began. With the start of the notification error to his family was discovered. They were industries and job opportunities. Palm Beach County,
War, Tom volunteered to serve in the Air Force. notified of his recovery and rejoiced in the news that in fact along with our Business Development Board, has
Following months of flight training in various bases Tom was alive. Their grief turned to gratitude to the doctor been actively pursuing high technology and financial
in the U. S., Tom was assigned to fly high-altitude photo- and to God for the return of Tom to their lives. services companies, many of which have landed in the
reconnaissance missions East across the Adriatic Sea from Tom went on to live an extraordinary life. He was married north end of the county like the Carrier Corporation in
Italy into the Balkans, and North over the Alps through to Sheila for 60 years and they raised four children. Tom Palm Beach Gardens. I plan to be a part of those future
Switzerland to Germany, France, Czechoslovakia and the received a Master’s degree and Doctorate enabling him to continued efforts.
Austro-Hungarian region. He flew the fastest bird in the U. S. teach at St. Francis College. His entrepreneurial acumen Philanthropy, volunteerism, and physical health
Air-Force arsenal of the time, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, allowed Tom to develop prospering businesses such as the are high priorities. This desire to give back has led
under the call sign “Whitehorse 29”. His plane was configured transformation of college bookstores into convenience stores me to raise much needed funds for at-risk children and
to his unique mission of intelligence gathering and was nationwide. Tom continued to excel in sports and developed their families, educational facilities both tutorial and
stripped of its armament – instead outfitted with cameras a competitive golf game while coaching basketball. afterschool, camp programs and other opportunities
and film. Trained to be a fighter pilot, with all that training I met Tom in 1992 when he took an active role in for our children to have a healthy, physically fit and
entails, Tom’s skills and self-confidence were recognized ministries at St. Paul of the Cross Church. I admired the mind-expanding life.
by his commanding officers, who channeled him into an number of hours he volunteered to help others. He took a Many of you may ask, “What are your priorities?”
My immediate priorities include:
• Investing in public safety and our first responders
to keep our neighborhoods and businesses safe and
sound
• Expanding our parks and recreation systems for
the health and well-being of our children and families
• Protecting our natural resources
• Working with our community partners for
economic growth and job creation
• Making sure our agricultural industry continues
to be a leading economic driver for our county
• Improving the roadway network to reduce traffic
congestion and encourage safety
• Collaborating with educational institutions to
develop more technical programs for our youth
• Promoting open, transparent, and accessible
county government
My door is always open and my phone on. Please
feel free to reach out anytime at (561) 355-2201 to
share your thoughts. I look forward to a continued
partnership with all of you and attending an upcoming
meeting in your community. Remember, I am a public
servant. I was elected by the public to serve.

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