From Thomas’ obituary:

LtCol Budrejko was born on November 22, 1974 in Jacksonville, FL. He was a 1992 graduate of Montville High School, where he wrestled, played football, and ran track. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 1996, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. In February 1999 he completed his flight training, designated a Naval Aviator, and was selected as an AH-1W Cobra pilot. When pinned by his father, Budrejko became the third generation of Naval Aviators to wear the same ‘Wings of Gold’ worn by his father, and his great uncle, LCDR Casey Suchcicki, all three raised in Connecticut. In 2009 he attended USMC Command & Staff College where he graduated with distinction and earned a Master’s Degree in Military Studies. He was recognized by the Marine Corps as an accomplished French Linguist. His combat tours included Kosovo, three deployments to Iraq, and one to Afghanistan. He was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan again in the spring. Lt. Col Budrejko’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Action Air Medal w/ Combat “V” (gold numeral 2) & Air Medal Strike/Flight (numeral 19), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ Combat “V” (fourth award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Well respected in the Marine Corps for his leadership abilities, as well as tactical and flying proficiencies, his next assignment was to be the Commanding Officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303. LtCol Budrejko’s contributions throughout his 15 years of honorable service have left an indelible mark on Marine Corps Aviation by virtue of the training programs he implemented, the tactics he improved upon, and the profound impact he had on the pilots he instructed and mentored throughout his career.

Tom was truly a family man of strong Christian faith, and his son Andrew was the joy of his life. He was a friend to all, and throughout his years of military service he kept in close contact with friends and family back home in CT. He had a great appreciation for nature, and especially enjoyed hiking and landscaping. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Red Sox fan. Tom was a great patriot, and his love of God and country was apparent to all he met. He had a passion for life, and never wasted one moment.