KSV News: Short Round 051

Our Tommy Eichler Honored

It was another hot summer day in the Chicago Burbs. A crowd maybe one hundred slowly gathered at the corner of the newly named: “Sgt Tom Eichler USMC CPD Way”. The street re-naming had occurred on June 18, 2026. Prior to that it was Opal Avenue where Tommy had lived for years.

Our Russ and Kathy Turner were there after a hefty summer drive from their home in Arnold, MO. Other KSV members attending were Mike Worth, Jim Peterson and Peter Kukurba.

The Garda Pipe

s and Drums, in full regalia, opened the event —an impressive sight. And fitting for the occasion.

Notable speakers honoring Tommy’s Chicago Police Department (CPD) service and accomplishments were:
– Nick Sposato, Alderman of the 38t

h Ward
– Mike Byrne, who spearheaded the renaming project
– Terry Hilliard, former CPD superintendent (Gangs South with Tommy)
– Joe DeLopez, Tommy’s Commander in 10th District and Area 4 Deputy Chief
– Jim Keating, Depu

ty Chief spoke of Tommy’s leadership in the 10th District Tactical Unit (The Wild Bunch)
– State Rep Brad Stephens who introduced a resolution honoring Tommy in the Illinois House of Representatives.
– In addition, many individuals spoke informally of Tommy’s accomplishments.

Mike Byrne has been gathering statements and information to reopen the request to upgrade Tom’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. Let’s pray he is successful in fulfilling this quest.

So, this well earned dedication and honor speaks volumes about our USMC Tommy (“Buzzy”) Eichler. We know of his Silver Star worthy heroics In the Khe Sanh Hills, which would be more than sufficient for one person’s lifetime. But Tommy basically stepped seamlessly from one war into another with his civilian police career. He earned his way up the CPD ladder to a leadership position in its elite and VERY dangerous gangs units. He actually told a friend that he had basically changed one war for another, just with different weapons.

He was a genuine “Semper Fidelis” example, both as a Marine and as a Cop.

Tommy- your USMC brothers wish you an eternal, and

well earned, Rest In Peace

SF
Bob Koury: Website & Digital Manager

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Newly Named Chicago Street

The Garda Pipes and Drums

Hank (Tom’s Seabee buddy from his neighborhood), KSV Veterans: Mike Worth, Jim Peterson, Peter Kukurba, Russ Turner