Byrne Lived Our Core Values
by Tad Lichtenauer • October 2008 • 4 Comments •
Core Values form the foundation of Lambda Chi Alpha’s approach to brotherhood. As a part of the True Brother Initiative, our Seven Core Values — Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Service and Stewardship, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage — once learned and internalized, equip each Lambda Chi Alpha undergraduate brother member with a clear moral compass, always orienting him, no matter the environment or consequences, toward making ethical decisions.
For Lambda Chi Alpha, it is not enough simply to know how to do things the right way; more importantly, it is to do the right things, for brotherhood and leadership are ultimately about action, about doing.
Core Values in Action: Duty & Integrity
Thomas J. Byrne (James Madison 1991), a husband, father, and supervisory special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, died tragically on August 30, 2008, after he was attacked and beaten while walking to his hotel in New Orleans, where he was attending an organized crime drug enforcement conference. Brother Byrne was attacked the night of August 27, 2008. He was found by a passerby and rushed to Tulane University Medical Center. After multiple surgeries, he succumbed to his injuries on August 30.
The New Orleans Police Department has apprehended two suspects and the investigation is ongoing. DEA officials said the NOPD is leading the investigation into Brother Byrne’s murder, assisted by the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In a message to DEA offices nationwide, acting administrator Michele M. Leonhart celebrated Brother Byrne as “an agent’s agent — a tremendous case-maker, talented investigator and tireless soldier in the war against drugs. No doubt, he was a shining star in our DEA family, and those who knew him best were proud to serve by his side and call him friend.
“We are shocked and outraged by this senseless loss,†Leonhart wrote. “Tom served our agency and his country with great honor, passion and courage.
Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Maureen Elizabeth Feeney Byrne of The Woodlands, TX; four sons, Tommy (age 8), Joseph (age 6), Matthew (age 4) and Michael (age 2), all of The Woodlands, TX.
Memorial contributions for the benefit of Brother Byrne’s wife and children may be made to The Thomas J. Byrne Memorial, P.O. Box 16105, Alexandria, VA 22302.
A True Brother Remembered
Tom and I became the fastest of friends at the age of 14. While I don’t believe I realized it immediately, I later recognized that what drew me to Tom was his unique authenticity and kindheartedness. Tom and I were pretty much inseparable for the next 14 years. We went to high school together, then to college where we were roommates and Fraternity brothers, and even roommates after graduating college. While I have too many fond memories with Tom to pick just one, one memory that I will never forget was easily the happiest day of his life -– marrying his wife Maureen. I witnessed immeasurable joy and happiness in Tom that day and it was the greatest gift anyone could wish for a friend. Tom was a dear friend and I am a better person for having had him in my life.
– Tim Trainum (James Madison 1991)
As a father, a husband, and a friend, Tom Byrne was a marvel. He was a uniquely loyal friend; he was distinctively respectful of the feelings and needs of others; he possessed an inimitable personal courage that enabled him to take responsibility for his decisions and actions; and he willingly engaged a life of service to the exclusion of other opportunities. The list, in actuality, is endless and leads to a singular conclusion — Tom was a leader, a teacher, and a friend. In the process he taught us many things –- love of family and friends, love of country, and love of justice. But he also taught us to never take ourselves too seriously and to always make time for sports (preferably the New York Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys) and laughter. As a result, Tom was beloved by many. My favorite memory of Tom from our days in Lambda Chi are the times we spent with a handful of friends hosting Musicfest. While I still cringe at some of his choices (Meatloaf?), I will always remember the gleam in his eyes as he sang along at the top of his lungs to “The Spirit of ’76.” At his funeral, family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries — including the U.S. Attorney General — came from Paris, Rome, Canada, and California among other distant locations to celebrate his life. Renowned for his gentle nature, his friends will never forget the joy and adventure his friendship brought.
–Troy Cahill (James Madison 1991)
I have been blessed to know Tom Byrne for over 26 years. His legacy of friendship and kindness is something to which we should all aspire. My friendship with Tom began when we were teammates in little league baseball, continued through our years in Lambda Chi, and remained vital as we embarked on our professional careers and family lives. My most constant memory of Tom is that he was always the first guy to lend a hand in a time of need or the first guy to congratulate you in time of triumph. Another memory I have of Tom was his ever present desire to enjoy every moment he spent with you. No matter if you knew him 10 years or 10 minutes, you always enjoyed your time with Tom. His unique ability to make everyone feel comfortable and protected was, and still is, one of Tom’s greatest gifts to all of us. For that I thank him with my whole heart, and am always proud to call him my brother.
– Byron Deaner (James Madison 1990)
Tom Byrne was, simply put, a good and decent man. One of my most vivid memories of Tom from our Lambda Chi days was when we played in the annual Inter-Fraternity Council flag football tournament. The games were often heated and confrontations were not uncommon. Whenever an opponent tried to goad Tom into losing his cool, Tom would just shake his head and chuckle to himself. Never willing to take the bait and never embarrassing himself or his teammates. Tom’s steadiness in the heat of those now long ago games reflected who he was and how he lived his life. Tom was steady and consistent. Tom was calm. These qualities served him well as a Special Agent and they served him well as a loving father, husband, and friend. We will all miss him.
–Stuart Lowry (James Madison 1990)
Tom Byrne was a man that many men want to model themselves after. Tom was a selfless, caring, and devoted family man and friend. Those who knew Tom will never forget him. His size caught their eye, but his warm personality captured their hearts. I had the honor of being Tom’s friend and Fraternity brother. I have long admired his values and I will always appreciate the changes that I have made in myself due to the example he set. Tom, in my mind, was and will always be a True Brother.
– Scott Sunday (James Madison 1991)
I never had any brothers growing up, but from the day I met Tom when we were 14, he was like a brother to me. He was trustworthy, reliable, and honest. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share with others. Soon after we met, he told me that after high school he wanted to go to college and then become a DEA Agent just like his father. Most of us didn’t know what we wanted to do next week, let alone for the rest of our lives. Tom wanted to make our country a safer place and he wanted to serve in the DEA. Fortunately for all of us, he accomplished both with honor and diligence.
– Ted Koch, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force
Thomas O'Neill Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 8:22 pmTom was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I was visiting my Son and his family and had the privledge of just talking to Tom and I realated to him that my Father had died in the Line of Duty in Baltimore Maryland in 1949 when I was just eight (Never thinking anything would happen to this nice fellow. I am just stunned that Tom is gone. He loved his wife and children and I will always remember a question he asked me. He said “Tom. how did your Mom and the family deal with such a lose” All I could say was I remember Mom dealing day by day with each new problem that came up and she made us kids work together and stay close as a family. My dad’s twin brother, also a Police Officer was always there to help her out until us kids grew up. Family is everything and I now say a prayer everyday for Tom’s. Tom will now join my Dad on the National Wall and I am proud to have know him if it was just briefly. He was a gentleman and has a wonderful family.
Tom O’ Neill
Saleem Khan (JMU 1990) Says:
October 18th, 2008 at 12:05 pmTom was one of the few people you meet in life that never had an unkind word to say about anybody. Even more remarkable I cannot remember anyone ever saying an unkind word about him. It broke my heart to hear of his death and to subsequently see an old friend memorialized and buried. There is a special place in heaven for men like Tom and I in that thought I take some comfort. God Bless you brother and we’ll all see you someday!
Shawn Loehr Says:
October 21st, 2008 at 2:17 pmWith everyone, I was sickened and saddened to hear the news about Tom. I had the great fortune of getting to know and admire Tom while we were in the same Lambda Chi Alpha associate member class. I knew I was in good company when, one night during ritual week, I looked over my shoulder to discover Tom had made the same mistake as I. Nothing written above about Tom Byrne is exaggerated; his heart and character were as big and strong as was his stature. In a time and place when many young men can really show their backsides, Tom was always rock solid – never putting his integrity, sincerity or sense of selflessness into question.
Adding to something Saleem Khan wrote – not only did I never hear Tom say a foul word about anyone, but Tom had the rare courage to take it a step further. He was the type of man who would often go against the grain, step-up, and defend an underdog(s) being belittled for Tom was the ultimate protector. He was also always a true gentleman – even attempting once to take my poor mother on a ‘magic carpet ride.’ Saleem never heard an unkind word spoken about Tom probably because one would be hard pressed to come up with something, other than possibly his being responsible for bringing Tim and Byron into the fraternity. ;)
I can only imagine what an incredible husband and father Tom became, and my heart and prayers go out to all he touched, especially his wife, four sons, mother, father and his sisters.
– Shawn Loehr (JMU 1991)
Bill Rivera, Louisville, '53 Says:
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 pmFrom the many beautiful comments made, one can know how much Brother Byrne would have appreciated the feelings expressed by the many he so obviously affected. The unintended consequences of everyday life on those he meets are what shows the true man. Caring, love and respect are seen to be woven throughout his life. May his young family and friends support each other through this difficult time and hopefully be able to remember the many good times they shared.