黑料吃瓜网Speaks StoryCorps Project
鈥淲e take words seriously in Appalachia,鈥� writes novelist and activist Silas House. 鈥淲e have a deep reverence for language and for storytelling.鈥�聽 People have a compelling need to both listen to stories and to tell their own story because the power of the story shapes our understanding of where we come from, who we are, and the potential for what we might become.聽 Those who seize the language are able to seize their own destiny because . . . 鈥淲ords Matter!鈥澛�
A Storied Life with Commander Tom Deitz
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Monday, October 20, 2025 | 7 p.m.Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education 213 N King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Reception to follow
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Tom Deitz began his journey in Matawan, New Jersey, and went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Political Science. Early in his career, he earned his Surface Warfare qualification aboard the USS Tuscaloosa, but his path soon led him to Naval Special Warfare. As the sole officer to graduate from Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL Class 142, he embarked on a remarkable journey as a Navy SEAL. His operational assignments included SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One and SEAL Team Five, where he deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. During this time, he led numerous combat missions, including a daring Amphibious Deception Operation that earned him the Bronze Star Medal with 鈥淰鈥� for Valor.
Commander Deitz broke new ground as the first SEAL assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command鈥檚 Congressional Liaison Office, where he worked closely with key committees in Congress to advance national security initiatives. He later returned to Coronado as Current Operations Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group 1, supporting missions across the Pacific and Middle East.
He served as Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer of SEAL Team Five, leading deployments to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq. Following the attacks of September 11, Commander Deitz surged forward as NSW Unit One Commander, placing his team at the forefront of initial combat operations in Afghanistan.
After retiring in 2004, he continued to serve the nation as a Policy Analyst with SAIC. His commitment to service extends beyond the battlefield鈥擟ommander Deitz is a passionate supporter of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. From organizing a five-mile ocean swim fundraiser to hosting nationwide events, he has helped amplify the Foundation鈥檚 mission and impact.
