Our Story
A Founding Letter
The Thomas A. Biddle Foundation was established in 2014 to fill the absence of support for Veteran families left behind due to Veteran PTSD/suicide.
I, Lisa Biddle, decided to start the Thomas A. Biddle Foundation based on the need for scholarships and funding for children and dependents of fallen military soldiers due to suicide. There are many existing foundations that provide scholarships; however, they do not include my children and the many others that are now excluded since the soldiers were not killed in action. My husband’s death was classified line of duty and should be considered as well, due to his 20 years of honorable service and multiple deployments and tours.
Our fundraisers provide scholarships for colleges, trade schools, summer camps, and counseling to help cover expenses. In my husband's "good bye" letter, he wrote that the Army took it all. I refuse to let that be true.
I want to encourage the kids to fully live their dreams and live life. I want the kids to be able to define their futures, and not be defined by their past. With the right heart, there will be the right motivation. Don't fall short of your destiny and experience your full potential. Decide the meaning of your walk; we are all created for great work. You can become who you are meant to be; you control your destiny, so aim high. Know what you want, give it all you've got, and most of all, never give up.
Dreams and futures should not be hampered by lack of funds. Our soldiers gave their all to make things possible and live free. We should do the same for the children left behind. What the heart has once known, it shall never forget.
- Lisa Biddle
Remembering Thomas Allen Biddle
Thomas “Allen” Biddle
Thomas Allen Biddle, known to his friends and family as "AI", was born at the Homestead Air Force Base in Florida on December 6, 1972. As a child, AI dreamed of being in the Army. His adventurous spirit and intense love for country provoked him to enlist in the Infantry in 1990.
AI's intelligence, competence and patriotism originally led him to Psychological Operations. After multiple assignments at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he joined the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado in 2006. His talents were evident and MSG Biddle was quickly selected as a Special Forces Team Sergeant. He was deployed to all corners of the world, deploying twice to Operation Iraqi Freedom, once to Operation Enduring Freedom, and additional deployments to Qatar, Turkey and Kosovo.
AI's Army education included the Special Forces Qualification Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, SERE (High Risk) Course, Psychological Operations Course, Mechanized Infantry Course, Airborne School, Jumpmaster Course and the Air Force Airlift Planners Course.
Allen & Hailey
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, NATO medal for Kosovo, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal of Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Valorous Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with a Silver Clasp with 1 Knot, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Driver's Badge.
More significant than AI's military service was his love for his family. He was a faithful and loving husband, prizing his wife Lisa as the most beautiful thing in the world, creating memories with her that she will cherish and will hold on to forever. AI was a dedicated and caring father to Jenna, Cameron and Hailey. He was so proud of each child; he dreamed of walking Jenna down the aisle, loved nothing more than playing hockey with Cam, and Hailey was the inspiration in his eye.
Explore Ways We Can Support You:
- Learn more about the direct assistance we provide to families of veterans lost to suicide through our Assistance Request Forms.
- Find helpful information and external resources on our Resources Page.
- Read the experiences of families on our Family Stories Page. If you have a story to tell, consider sharing to show others that they are not alone.
- Visit our Events Page to stay updated on our latest fundraisers.
How You Can Make a Difference:
- Learn more about how you can make an impact by becoming a Partner or Ambassador of the Foundation.
- Consider donating to directly support families of veterans lost to suicide.