Latest news with #TomKelly
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
HIGH POINT CONFIDENTIAL: Thank you, sir - High Point soldier sacrificed his life for his men in 1970
HIGH POINT — Tom Kelly spent his last day in High Point on Nov. 27, 1969, celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. They ate turkey and enjoyed being together, trying not to dwell on where Tom was headed. They took some family photos — Tom, his parents, a brother and a sister. The next day, Tom left High Point, a 22-year-old soldier bound for Vietnam. He would not return. The story of George Thomas Kelly III — Tommy or Tom, as he insisted on being called — is a sad tale, but an inspiring one, too. This weekend, in particular — when we salute the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation — is a poignant time to remember the sacrifice of one of High Point's own. Tom was an active, popular student at High Point Central High School, where he was named to Who's Who his senior year. He graduated in 1965 and attended the University of North Carolina for two years before enlisting in the Army in 1967. He was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating from Officer Candidate School. Frankly, Tom was not exactly gung-ho about the Vietnam War. He could've joined the ranks of others around him — perhaps even some of you — who protested the war, but he didn't. He still believed he should go. 'Tom was not a supporter of the war, nor was he someone who was in Vietnam because he had no choice,' Frank DeLong, one of Tom's Army buddies, wrote in an online tribute. 'He was there because he felt it was his duty to be there.' Tom's tour of duty in Vietnam didn't last long — less than half a year — but only because of the heroic sacrifice he made during the bloody Battle of Dak Seang, when his battalion came under attack from an aggressive North Vietnamese regiment. On the afternoon of April 22, 1970, after several days of continuous combat, the battalion found itself on a hilltop, nearly encircled by the North Vietnamese. Tom, by now a first lieutenant, bravely led his men to a bomb crater that could be utilized as a chopper landing zone. He radioed for help, and a medical evacuation helicopter was immediately dispatched to the battalion's precarious location. As quickly as men began piling onto the chopper, the enemy emerged from a tree line and began bombarding the craft with small arms fire. 'Because of the intense hostile fire, the heavily laden helicopter experienced great difficulty in taking off,' a military account of the incident reads. 'Lieutenant Kelly unhesitantly left the ship to engage the enemy in an attempt to divert their fire and to allow the helicopter to depart.' Armed with a couple of M-16 rifles, Tom and another officer — the aforementioned Frank DeLong — tried to fend off the North Vietnamese while radioing for another chopper. Lying prone on the ground, they began taking machine-gun fire from behind. 'The rounds were kicking up dirt all around us,' DeLong wrote. 'We rolled in opposite directions, trying to get out of his target zone. I rolled across the LZ (landing zone) and into a depression caused by an uprooted tree. Then all hell broke loose with small arms fire raking the LZ, coming from uphill of our position.' And Tom? 'I never saw Tom again,' DeLong wrote. 'I believe he was killed by the initial burst of machine gun fire.' DeLong wrote a letter to Tom's family, telling not only of his bravery during the final minutes of his life, but of the respect and admiration his men had for him long before that fateful afternoon. One of Tom's higher-ups wrote him up to receive the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest military decoration for valor — but he received the Distinguished Service Cross instead, the second-highest honor, awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat. The High Point Enterprise published a photo of Tom's parents, Tom Jr. and Jill, receiving the award on their son's behalf. 'His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army,' the citation read. As they accepted the award, Tom's parents must've thought about the previous Thanksgiving Day, thankful for those final moments they enjoyed together as a family. And today, more than 55 years later, as we honor the military men and women who sacrificed their lives, we can all give thanks for a man like Tom Kelly.
Press and Journal
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Brora Rangers' Tom Kelly seeking improved play-off showing after first leg frustration
Tom Kelly says Brora Rangers need to give a better reflection of their ability in the return leg of the pyramid play-off tie with East Kilbride. The Breedon Highland League champions face the Lowland League winners at Dudgeon Park on Saturday, trailing 4-1 following the first leg at K Park last weekend. Although the Cattachs require an extraordinary comeback if they are to progress to the play-off final against either Bonnyrigg Rose or Forfar Athletic, defender Kelly believes with the firepower in their squad the Sutherland club shouldn't be discounted just yet. But regardless of the aggregate score the 24-year-old's first focus is on producing a much better performance in the return leg. Kelly said: 'We've got to go for it, we've got to be aggressive from the start and try to get an early goal. 'The main thing we need to do is to put in a much better performance to try to get something from the second leg. 'We'd like to give a better reflection of ourselves. We were in the dressing room for a while after the game on Saturday and we discussed how we didn't really play our own game. 'We weren't brave enough, we didn't trust each other and we didn't play enough football. 'The message for the return leg is to do those things, put in a good performance and show what we can really do. 'If we can get the first goal you never know, especially with the quality we've got going forward. 'I'd never discount us from scoring three goals in a game and that's what we need to try to do. 'We realise that we let each other down. It can't be the same this week and we need to give a much better account of ourselves.' Reflecting on the first leg of the tie Kelly was frustrated with how things panned out for Brora. They were 2-0 down at half-time, but rallied after the break and Max Ewan scored to reduce their arrears before East Kilbride's Jordan McGregor was sent off in the 67th minute. However, the Cattachs were unable to capitalise despite having an extra man and lost two goals in the final 10 minutes that Kelly felt were preventable. He added: 'It was a tough one to take on Saturday, in the first half we maybe sat off them a wee bit too much and gave them too much respect. 'But in the second half we were a lot better and we imposed our game on them. 'We got our goal to get back into the game, but then we maybe went a bit too gung ho and left ourselves open and that cost us. 'The momentum completely shifted for a spell in the second half. But conceding the third goal brought us back down to earth and the fourth goal was a real killer. 'The two goals we lost late on were self-inflicted really, we got a bit complacent in possession and it's made things difficult for us heading back to Brora.'
The Herald Scotland
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scots with learning disabilities struggling to find suitable housing
A report commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde specialist learning disability services alongside housing partners highlighted issues with planning, collaboration and resources, after a housing emergency was declared by the Scottish Government last year. Researchers found this crisis 'disproportionately impacts people with learning disabilities' and the report calls on Government, housing, and health and social care roles to contribute to 'urgent change' going forward, warning the current system is 'unsustainable and damaging'. The report, Housing For Complex Needs, found that despite more than 20 years of government policy promoting community-based living for people with learning disabilities, around 1,300 people face challenges with appropriate accommodation, which was branded 'varied and inconsistent'. It identified three areas needing urgent action, including social housing market constraints, inadequate planning frameworks, and inconsistent interpretation of tenancy agreements; resources, including funding, time constraints, and staffing shortages; and collaborative working, including 'significant issues' with data collection and information sharing between housing and healthcare providers. Read More A critical recommendation calls for the Dynamic Support Register (DSR) – a tool for monitoring vulnerable individuals – to be extended to include housing stakeholders, as well as the need for an appropriate national mechanism to mandate collaboration between housing and health and social care sectors to deliver community-based housing solutions. Dr Sacha Hasan from the Institute for Place, Environment and Society at Heriot-Watt, said: 'Our findings demonstrate that while the willingness to collaborate often exists, structural barriers and stretched resources prevent effective solutions. 'The current landscape across Scotland is varied and inconsistent, with outcomes dependent on local relationships, funding models, and housing availability in each area. 'What's particularly concerning is that we've been discussing this same policy agenda for over 20 years, yet many people are still experiencing inappropriate out-of-area placements or delayed hospital discharges. 'Our research found that fragmented funding streams, limited understanding of legislation, and cumbersome commissioning processes are creating substantial barriers to implementing what should be a fundamental human right – appropriate housing in local communities. 'The reality is a postcode lottery which is unsustainable and damaging for our most vulnerable residents in Scotland. 'Too often, successful transitions depend on informal networks and individual commitment rather than robust systems. What's needed is a fundamental change in how these services are planned and commissioned, with housing given equal importance to health and social care in an integrated approach.' Tom Kelly, head of adult services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde specialist learning disability service, said: 'Access to good quality accommodation in an appropriate setting is essential to our health and wellbeing, but this is particularly true among the most vulnerable members of our communities. 'NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde works closely with local authorities, health and social care partnerships and other stakeholders to help ensure people do not need to be in a hospital setting longer than they need to, and that the appropriate support is available to them when they leave. 'This research will be an important addition to our and others' understanding and we would like to thank all those who have been involved in putting together these findings.'
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SEPTA expands contactless payment to Regional Rail
The Brief Contactless payment is now available on SEPTA regional rail. SEPTA officials held a news conference Friday to demonstrate how it works, while also advising Key card holders keep their bankcards away from readers to prevent unintended transactions. CENTER CITY - SEPTA is expanding its contactless payment options so all you will have to do is tap your phone or smartwatch, if you don't want to use your credit or debit card. SEPTA says contactless payment on trains first launched in September 2023 and since then, it's generated over $30 million in revenue. They're now excited to bring the convenience to Regional Rail riders. What we know SEPTA is expanding contactless payment to the regional rail system. Now, riders can use Apple Pay and tap and go bank cards to pay for the bus, subway, trolley and now regional rail. "With this expansion to regional rail, SEPTA is the first commuter rail network in the country to accept contactless payments. Deploying this technology system wide is a major achievement," said Scott Sauer, SEPTA Interim General Manager. "Customers paying for regional rail or transit with Apple Pay can also use express mode. With express mode, riders do not need to wake or unlock their iPhone or Apple Watch to ride on SEPTA. Just hold the device near a reader and securely pay with Apple Pay." SEPTA officials advise Key Card Holders to keep bankcards and mobile wallets away from readers to prevent unintended charges. Regional rail riders traveling into the city must use contactless payments by tapping platform validators, as conductors cannot take contactless payments onboard the trains. "This is an environmentally friendly payment as no single use paper passes or special SEPTA fare cards are needed. Customers paying by trip with Key cards or a quick trip can now tap their contactless card or phone directly at the validator," said Tom Kelly, SEPTA Senior Director of Financial Operations. "Contactless payments reduce costs for SEPTA by lowering cash collection expenses and reducing the need for single use paper passes." What they're saying SEPTA riders tell FOX 29 they're glad tap and pay is now available on regional rail. "We live in 2025. Why not just tap and pay," said SEPTA rider Kervening Thelistin. "For example, when I go out to eat or something I use tap and pay. If I go to like a store to buy something I use tap and pay. For majority of things I use tap and pay." "Everyone has their phone on them, and it just makes it a lot easier to pay," said SEPTA rider Adrian Valdes. "I think it's a lot better. It's a lot more convenient for people. It takes a step away from having to go to a machine." "By giving our riders the option to pay their fares with what they already have in their pockets or on their wrists we're making our system more accessible to current and new customers as well as visitors to the region," said Sauer. Benefits SEPTA said contactless payments reduces costs by lowering cash collection expenses. It will also reduce single use paper passes saving money and being environmentally friendly.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House votes not to keep University of Wyoming Lab School open
CHEYENNE — Wyoming's House of Representatives has opted against passing legislation to keep the University of Wyoming Lab School open, killing a bill that has sparked hours of debate in the Capitol. With 41 pieces of legislation scheduled for debate before a Friday night deadline, acting chairman Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, noted that representatives spent an hour and 18 minutes debating Senate File 126, 'Establishment of a K-8 public lab school.' Ultimately, the measure failed in a 32-24 vote. Some lawmakers gave impassioned pleas to keep the school, which has been a part of Wyoming's history for more than 125 years, open. Others argued that passing SF 126 would be overstepping the bounds of state government, wading into a local issue that Albany County School District 1 Board of Trustees and University of Wyoming Board of Trustees have already decided. Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan (2025) Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan 'When this came into the (House Education) Committee, I was somebody who was on the fence about it,' Rep. Tom Kelly, R-Sheridan, said. 'When I voted yes on it, it was because this is exactly the type of discussion this issue deserved.' Kelly ended up casting another vote in favor of SF 126 Friday, but it was not enough. 'We are having trouble categorizing this, because the school is unique,' Kelly said. 'But we are seeking to restore that historical and cultural gem to Wyoming. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely.' The Legislature was the last stop in a long effort to reestablish the UW Lab School as it once was, after an announcement last year from both managing educational institutions that this academic year would be the last for the lab school. For over 130 years, the lab school operated as a K-8 public school, many of those offering practicum and observational experiences for pre-service teachers and other UW students on campus. For around a decade, the school has been guided by a memorandum of understanding between the ACSD1 and the university, but the two educational bodies could not agree on a process to move forward while also meeting objectives both said they had for the school. Argument in favor: 'Decision makers have failed' House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, said the bill was not about saving a school, but promoting a Wyoming legacy. Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie (2025) Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie 'In recent years, decision makers have failed the very people they were entrusted to serve. Many feel the decision to unilaterally close the Lab School was made behind closed doors, without transparency and without input from parents, students and the Wyoming public,' Andrew said. Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas, urged her fellow lawmakers not to look at the decision as if it were about a 'normal school in a school district,' because, in fact, the issue is one of school choice. Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas (2025) Rep. Tomi Strock, R-Douglas 'I want to remind everyone that this is not the same kind of setup … as in the school district,' Strock said. 'Please quit looking at it as the same as all the other school districts, and as if we are taking over some local control.' Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie, said he believes there were 'no bad actors' that led the Lab School to where it is today. However, the issue has been 'divisive, and it has been tearing apart the community,' Chestek said. He respects both the ACSD1 and UW trustees, but said he had to support keeping the school open. Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie (2025) Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie 'It breaks my heart to see these two entities, good institutions, at loggerheads, not agreeing on something that I think the community loves,' Chestek said. 'This is tearing us up.' Argument against: 'Not the role of the state Legislature' Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, said she could not support the Lab School bill, although she empathized with parents, teachers and students who desperately wanted to save the school. 'It is simply not the role of the state Legislature to come into a situation like this and make themselves, sort of, a court of last resort,' Lawley said. 'A place for people to come when they are unhappy or dissatisfied with what has happened at the local level, and want us to enter into a space that includes a school district, our university and somehow be the arbiter of that.' Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland (2025) Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, said he felt the bill was asking lawmakers to 'micromanage a local school,' and that he could not support SF 126. Rep. McKay Erickson, R-Afton, said he had not found a person at the university or on the school board who wanted to continue the Lab School. 'It is, folks, tough to close schools for any district,' Erickson said. 'But this would be getting into the weeds big time, if we go above their decision to close the school. … That seems to just be clouded, extremely.'
