“This is the caliber of selfless people that we have working all across our state. “The members of this team never cease to amaze me,” says LDVA Secretary Joey Strickland when briefed on what Tommy and his unit did during the Gulf War. Everybody should be a part of something bigger than themselves.” “He was a motivating factor, but being of service was also something I felt was my duty. “My Dad inspired me to join the military,” says Sims of his decision to enlist. She kept the Sims children, Eddie, Ann, and Tommy, busy with schoolwork, chores, allowed plenty of time to play games, and was always making sure they knew how much they were loved. His mother taught elementary school second grade for 30 years.

His father was a decorated WWII Army Captain and combat engineer, who worked his way up in the Louisiana Legislative Auditor ranks and became the northeast Louisiana supervisor for that region. Sims was born in Rayville, La., to William and Charlotte Ann Sims.

Few people, however, know that Sims’ joie de vivre came at a cost after having lived through one of the fiercest tank battles in military history during the Battle of 73 Easting. Army SPC Robert Thomas “Tommy” Sims has earned a reputation for being a dedicated public servant and a friend to all he meets.

Tank battles of the second gulf war