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In Memory of Dr. W. Thomas McGrath

by webmaster |

The McGrath family asks that those who wish to honor Tom’s memory contribute to the Art Jukkala Scholarship Program to benefit the children of smokejumpers killed in the line of duty.

Tom, who died March 9, was a Missoula jumper in 1957, 1958, 1960, 1975-1979, 1981-1983 and 1985. He was a forestry professor at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

The Art Jukkala Fund is managed and partly funded by the NSA Trail Maintenance Program. As of April 2008, the fund has given two $2,000 scholarships to Lesley Ann Mackey and one to Ginny Thrash, children of jumpers killed in the 1994 South Canyon Fire in Colorado. Two other children are just coming into their college years.

Checks should be endorsed to NSA Trail Maintenance and sent to P.O. Box 4081, Missoula, MT 59806. Please note on the check that your donation is to honor the memory of Tom McGrath.

The National Smokejumper Association is a 501(c)(3) approved organization, and a receipt will be provided to donors.

A donation to the Art Jukkala Scholarship Program will not only be paying respect to Tom but also to our brothers who gave everything. You will also be making a statement that the smokejumper community will never forget our fallen comrades and their families.

Please pass this communication on to other friends of Tom McGrath.