West Bend Community Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veteran Tommy Downing
The celebration of life for Vietnam veteran Tommy Downing drew a packed crowd over the weekend at VFW Post 1393 on Sand Drive in West Bend, Wisconsin. Residents, fellow veterans, and friends gathered to honor a local hero whose impact extended far beyond his military service. The event showcased a heartfelt outpouring of respect, stories, and community spirit.
Tommy Downing’s journey began on a small dairy farm near Tomah, Wisconsin, where he and his seven siblings learned values that stayed with him all his life. His brother, Jim Downing, shared memories of their childhood, highlighting lessons of respect for the land and animals that shaped Tommy’s character.
Vietnam Veteran’s Early Life and Military Service
After following their older brother to West Bend for work, Tommy was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era at just 19 or 20 years old. He trained first at Fort Leonard Wood and then at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds for aircraft training. Within six months, he was deployed to Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division, serving about a year overseas.
Jim Downing reflected on the profound toll the war took on Tommy. “He was a country kid who probably saw things he wasn’t prepared for in Vietnam,” Jim said. “When he came back… it took him a while to reach us.” Despite the challenges, Tommy eventually returned to West Bend and became a pillar of the local veteran community.
Building a Veteran Family and Lasting Traditions
Though Tommy never had children of his own, he found a new family at VFW Post 1393. His brother emphasized Tommy’s deep dedication, saying, “He took care of the grounds with pride.” Tommy wasn’t just a member; he was foundational to the community’s spirit and traditions.
One lasting contribution was the creation of the post’s now-famous “Tommy Burger” nights, beginning as steak fries and evolving into Tuesday hamburger fundraisers that remain popular today. Longtime volunteer Susie Graff remembered Tommy’s hands-on role in these events: “He stood back there making burgers to his perfection.”
Tommy also spearheaded many initiatives including becoming the post’s first Santa Claus and Easter Bunny, organizing holiday events, and personally funding flower plantings and maintenance around the VFW.
Generosity and Community Impact
Graff highlighted Tommy’s modest yet powerful generosity during the holidays, often buying gifts for local children. “One year they turned down something for Tommy for Christmas for buying presents for the kids,” she recalled. “So I started a jar for donations… he had more money than ever raised and anything not used was donated back.”
The event’s turnout stunned the family, reflecting how deeply Tommy’s influence resonated. According to Jim Downing, “Just blown away” by the crowd, the community stepped up in a way he never expected. Though the family chose not to publish a formal obituary, the news spread swiftly through the network Tommy had built.
Jim Downing: “The club will take care of it… they’ll pass the word, and there will be a big turnout.”
Looking Ahead
The celebration at VFW Post 1393 affirmed the power of community and the enduring legacy of a Vietnam veteran who gave so much to his country and town. For West Bend, Tommy Downing’s memory will live on in burger nights, holiday traditions, and the pride he took in preserving the VFW grounds.
As the crowd dispersed, the spirit of Tommy’s service and generosity remained palpable—a reminder of the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans and the tight-knit communities that honor them.
