Colonel Thomas Dalzell: Marine and Selfless Volunteer

Various factors motivate individuals to live a life of serving others. One of the most compelling lies in the examples set by others, including family, churches, and other organizations. Thomas Dalzell grew up in a Christian family where the principle of “love thy neighbor” was a way of life. His parents imbued in him a sense of duty toward those in need, and, as his family regularly reminded him – there is always a need!

Dalzell studied civil engineering at Virginia Tech on a football scholarship, graduating in 1958. He turned down several offers for engineering jobs and a contract to play professional football with the Chicago Bears to join the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty in the Marine Corp for 31 years as an engineer officer in combat engineer units, in ranks from second lieutenant to colonel. He managed resources and equipment and supervised 250 to 1,500 construction personnel in numerous construction projects in peacetime and in combat in Vietnam.

As a colonel, he served on the staff of the Commander in Chief Pacific as the officer in charge of the civil engineering support plans for all U.S. operational plans throughout the Pacific. He later trained thousands of Marines in engineering skills, while serving as the commanding officer of the Marine Corps Engineering School at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Col. Dalzell: Retiring to another life of service

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Dalzell took a job as vice president for a large construction company in North Carolina, then he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, for a job there. He has lived in Roanoke since the mid ’90s. His wife of 59 years, Allie, passed away in May 2016. He has one son, Patrick, and two grandsons.

He also pursued volunteer work, with a seven-day schedule that continues today. He has volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals, monthly food boxes, a smile, and a few kind words to homebound and low-income seniors.

Dalzell rises some mornings at 4:30 to help serve breakfast to guests at Rescue Mission. On weekends, he fixes and serves lunch at Roanoke Area Ministries’ RAM House, a day shelter for the homeless. He is active with Habitat for Humanity and Renovation Alliance, doing minor repairs for low-income and handicapped individuals, as well as veterans, at no cost to the homeowner. He also volunteers with the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and the German Club Alumni Foundation at Virginia Tech and is a eucharistic minister and religious education teacher at his church.

Recently, Dalzell won a Vision & Values Award at Friendship Manor . He appreciates the honor, but he doesn’t want awards for his contributions. His volunteer work is his duty, and he feels recognition is unnecessary. “It’s what one does with the time, talents, and treasures God has given each of us,” he says.

The reward of a life well-lived

As a devout Catholic, Dalzell believes that when he completes his work in this world, there will be a reckoning as he moves to the next. “I hope to pass the two Marines guarding the gates of Heaven and meet the Lord. When He asks what I have done to improve the lives of the less fortunate, I won’t have to hang my head in shame.”

CAPTION OF FEATURE IMAGE, TOP: Joe Hoff (left), Friendship President and CEO, and Thomas Dalzell, at the Vision & Values Awards. Friendship , provider of senior health and living, hosts the annual Vision & Values Awards, lifetime achievement awards that recognize the remarkable seniors who have made significant and sustained contributions to impact Southwest Virginia.

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