Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from the City of Rye. Learn more about how you can help research and write biographies of those that have served.
Tom Battista was born in 1948 and grew up in Rye, where he found early success as a drummer before joining the U.S. Air Force and serving in the Vietnam War. He graduated from Resurrection School in 1962, and was a member of the Stepinac High School class of 1966. He earned his bachelor’s from Iona College in 1970 and his Master’s degree from Webster University in 1983.
Date of Birth: 1948
Street Address: Midland Avenue
Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force
Before entering the Armed Forces, Battista played the drums for local rock n’ roll bands bands the Intruders and The Casuals. The Intruders won the 1965 Westchester County Battle of the Bands. In 1967, he played drums on the Casuals’ billboard single “Under My Umbrella.”
After completing Officer Training School (OTS) Battista received an officer’s commission to 2LT (’71) and then graduated from USAF Flight School (UPT), Columbus MS and pinned on his pilot wings.
Battista flew numerous C-130E combat missions in Vietnam, Cambodia and Southeast Asia and was awarded the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Flight.
After his overseas tour Battista taught as T-37 Flight Instructor Pilot at the USAF Flight Training (UPT) Wing at Moody AFB, GA and also as a T-37 Flight Instructor Pilot at the Pilot Instructor Training School (PIT) Randolph AFB, TX. Tom was then assigned as C5A Flight Instructor at USAF C5 Flight School Altus AFB, OK.
From Dover AFB DE, Battista flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm (1990-91) and was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Battista was a C5A Instructor Flight Examiner Pilot and refueling Instructor Pilot, and achieved Senior Command Pilot Rating. He retired on Dec 1, 1991.
After military service, he worked as a pilot for American Airlines.
Battista is an avid golfer at Rye Golf Club. He is a two-time Senior Club Champion, two-time Super Senior Club Champion, and twice runner-up in the Club Championship. He learned golf from his father and as a teenage caddie at the Apawamis Club in Rye. In the summer of 2021, he shot his age (73) at Rye Golf Club – a memorable achievement! More on Battista.
Whatever Tommie put his mind to, he was a smashing success. Golf, drums, photography. And what a gigantic military career. And then American Airlines. Larger than life character. Just stupendous. And a great husband and dad Congrats !!!!