Tommy Brown:
CLASS OF 1985
Sweetwater-Newman High SchoolClass of 1985
Sweetwater, TX
University of PhoenixClass of 2005
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Western CollegeClass of 1991
Yuma, AZ
Tommy's Story
If you do read my story, the only thing I can say is for everyone to make an effort to go the next high school reunion for the Class of 1985. In my heart, I feel that we all have contributed to society in some form or fashion.
I hope that all my friends remember me as someone that was honest with them 24/7 and that I would always be their friend regardless of the circumstance.
I have (2) role models in my life. The first being my mom, Mary Nelson. She was a nurse who raised (4) kids on her own. My other role model is my step-father, Jimmie Nelson. He is better known for his nickname: "Snake". He use to own "Snake's Place" back at the bottom of "Sugar Hill" in Sweetwater, Texas. He still resides in Sweetwater and he is always known as the "Man with the Plan".
Since leaving Sweetwater, Texas, the family has worked hard on keeping it real. I have two brothers and one sister. My sister, Pamela Brown, is a school teacher in Austin. Kevin Nelson is one of my brothers who works for the Alcoa Corporation in Dallas. Finally, there is my brother, Eric Nelson, who owns his own graphic company in Ohio.
The best thing that has happened to me was to take the responsibility of being a single parent of my two son's. I have been working my single parent magic since 1999, and have never looked back.
The wildest thing I ever did was to get into the United States Marine Corps. The experiences and people I have met definitely changed my life forever.
The main events in my life that will always stay with me in life are: (1) Saving the life of a woman who was suffering from a heart attack in November 1998; (2) the tragic events of 911; (3) loosing my best friend's son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Lee Burford, in the Pentagon as a result of 911..I defintiely miss his friendship and presence; and, (4) being on the front lines with my fellow Marines during the initial invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. To see the American flag waving and the heroic actions of my fellow Marines unfold as we crossed the Line Of Departure (LOD) is something I or anyone who participated in that arena could never forget.
One significant contributor of success for the Class of 1985 is our good old friend, John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), WWE Wrestler on RAW. At the 20 year reunion, I spoke to him and the one thing I know about John is that he still calls Sweetwater home, and that is where his true friends really are. I do hope to see all of you for many more years to come.
I blow off steam by playing basketball when I can. I also relax by working out. I mainly walk or run 6 miles a day to stay in shape.
The one fun thing I did in life was in the spring of 2007, when me and my youngest son went to the movie studios in Wilmington, NC to play as extras in the movie "Bolden". The movie is a true of story of a guy named Bolden from the late 1800's who inspired Louis Armstrong. The movi...Expand for more
e is to be released in the year 2010.
The movie "Bolden" stars the following actors: Jackie Earle Haley (who starred as "Kelly Leak"-the kid on the motorcycle in the two "Bad News Bears" movies), Omar Gooding (Brother of Cuba Gooding Jr who starred in "Baby Boy"), Richard Richarde (Who played the boyfriend of Paris Hilton in the movie "House of Wax"), and Anthony Mackie (the guy who played Pappa Doc opposite Eminem in the final rap battle scene in the movie "8 Mile").
The places I have lived after leaving Sweetwater, Texas are Yuma, AZ, where I traveled to Okinawa, Japan, been to Alaska, Guam, and Hawaii. I later moved to Jacksonville, NC where I was stationed at Camp Lejeune. Since being in NC, I have been to Kuwait, and Iraq, and look forward to going to other places in the world. Most of the places I have gone I am not allowed to list on here due to security reasons, but you get my drift.
My life turned out the way I wanted it to because I wanted to be happy, and that is what I love the most.
Everytime I come back to Sweetwater, TX, I make it a habit to see Mrs. Brentz all the time because she was the one teacher that kept it real 24/7.
The one thing that would surprise everyone at the high school reunion is that I am currently working towards getting my PHD Degree in Business Management.
I currently have (4) college degrees under my belt. While in the military, I received a Associates of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration from Arizona Wester College (1991); an Associates Degree in General Studies (2005), Bachelor Degree in Business Management (2007), and Masters Degree in Business Administration (2008)-the last three degrees from the University of Phoenix.
My first job was at the Sweetwater Reporter, where I got paid much to nothing, but I survived. I mostly used the money I earned there to help support my mom, sister, and two brothers. What I remember most about that job is being chased by a lot of dogs when I delivered papers on my route.
My second job was working as a bagger/stocker at Foust Foods on Lamar Street. Mr. Foust was the coolest guy you could ever work for in that he was always fair and honest to everyone he met.
My last job I did in Sweetwater was to work as a bagger at the Village grocery store. Mr. Reed was the roughest guy to work for, but he did keep everyone on our toes. One thing I remember most about him was that he called me into his office and talked to me about being a Marine. Yes he was former Marine and he told me my choice of joining the military would change my life. He was right..thanks Mr. Reed.
All in all, I definitely have lived a great and adventurous life. As you can see I do enjoy life, and I always wish the best of health, life, and happiness for the rest of the graduating Class of 1985. Don't ever be a stranger and I hope to see you all again some day soon!
See ya later alligator!
Tommy Brown
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Reunions
Photos
