The May 2025 Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Tom Roth was born in August 1947 in Wabash to David and Mildred, one of three children, according to Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell when he presented Roth to the county commissioners Tuesday morning.
Tom attended Manchester High School, joining the Army in December 1969 and completing basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky. That was followed by an assignment to Fort Polk, La., to attend infantry advanced individual training and then he was sent to Fort Benning, Ga., to attend phase I of the infantry leaders course. After completion, he was sent back to Fort Polk, and later assigned to the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
He served honorably in the United States Army and was discharged in September 1970, with the rank of staff sergeant, McDowell stated. Tom received numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign and Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.
Tom returned to Kosciusko County to work as a production supervisor at Peabody and later as a personnel manager at Majestic, until his retirement in 2009.
Tom married Janet Marsh in March 1967, and together they had two children, Andrew and Christy, who have provided five grandchildren.
McDowell said Tom continues to serve his community, devoting time, effort and resources to the Warsaw Community Church and the Dewart Lake Protective Association. Tom and Janet live in Syracuse.
After receiving his framed certificate, Tom said, “Thank you, Darryl and commissioners. After 55 years, it’s an honor to be here and be recognized.”