In Tribute

Walter Thomas (Tom) Wollny, P.E. passed away on April 30, 2021 at the age of 88. He was born on March 28, 1933 in New York City.

Upon graduating from Monrovia high school in 1950, Tom decided to serve his country and at 17 years old enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Tom met his bride-to-be in Waco Hall at Baylor University. On June 27, 1953 he married Caroline, his first & only love. She was his inspiration to succeed.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1958. Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1960. Master’s in Engineering Management from University of California Los Angeles in 1962.

After the service, he applied his creative mind, his lifelong fascination with electronics, and his technical expertise to solving problems & designing solutions. Tom’s world-changing invention is recognized as the most advanced landmine detection system available and today it is being used for humanitarian de-mining and protecting our armed forces worldwide.

After “retiring”, Tom founded his charity: Honor Veterans Now / Meals for Vets in the state of Texas. Meals for Vets addresses food insecurity found in Texas veterans. The devoted Meals for Vets staff, volunteers, and board members were like a second family to Tom. The Meals for Vet’s family will carry on his dream moving forward.

Tom was a good listener and known for his quick wit, his endearing smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. Tom will be greatly missed.