Tom Fiala was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, enlisting in the Navy after High School in 1989. He spent 3 years aboard the USS O'Brien DD-975, serving in the Gulf War during Desert Storm/Shield. After the Navy Tom attended San Diego City College, earning associate degrees in Film Production, Video/New Media & Liberal Arts. He then transferred to Cal State Northridge, where he earned his BA in Television Production. Tom worked in the entertainment industry for 23 years with companies like, ESPN, Disney, Paramount, CBS, Fox and Universal before leaving the industry in 2019 and moving to Port Hueneme. He joined the VFW in 2020, becoming a Post Trustee and the District OOD in 2021. In 2022 he became the Post Jr. Vice and the District OOD again. In 2023, he became the Post Sr. Vice and District Jr. Vice. In 2024 and 2025, he became Post 3935 Commander and District Sr. Vice. Along with his VFW responsibilities, Tom is also on the Board of Directors for the REACH Program, the Treasurer of his HOA, he also serves on the Port Hueneme Veterans Adhoc committee. Tom also works, part time, for the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation. Tom has 2 sons, Nicholas (21) and Alexandr (17) and he currently has 6 four legged roommates.