A lifetime of service has taught me there’s nothing we can’t accomplish as a team. The mission continues — let’s get things done in Topeka!
A lifetime of service has taught me there’s nothing we can’t do as a team. The mission continues — let’s get things done in Topeka!
- Tom
A Life of Service
In a military career spanning four decades, Tom Palenske devoted his life to serving the people of America, from the halls of the Pentagon on 9/11 to combat operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Brigadier General Palenske logged more than 3,500 hours as a command pilot in the Air Force and earned numerous awards for his service, including the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross with “V” device.
After his military retirement, Tom came home to Kansas with his wife, Jeryn. They have a small startup business and enjoy being near their grandchildren and two daughters, who are nurse practitioners. Tom and Jeryn also have a son who is an Air Force helicopter pilot.
STRONG PRINCIPLES.
CLEAR GOALS.
HARD WORK.
Following high school graduation, Tom answered our nation’s call to serve by enlisting in the Kansas Army National Guard while also attending college and working at the Goodyear tire factory.
After graduating from Friends University, Tom commissioned as a special operations helicopter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
Over four decades, Tom served his country with distinction — first as a crew chief and door gunner, then as an instructor pilot and combat aviator. He flew special operations missions around the world and led at every level, ultimately commanding two Wings and retiring as a brigadier general after nearly four decades in uniform.
In the service, Tom strived to listen to his teammates at all levels and drove change to make their lives and their families lives’ better — to support the mission.
In the military newspaper Stars and Stripes, one master sergeant described Tom this way: “He’s really big on putting people first, and he really cares about the well-being of his folks …”
Endorsed by Liz Resman
Widow of former Rep. John Resman of Olathe
People.
Before.
Politics.
Stop skyrocketing property taxes so you get a break.
Eliminate wasteful spending and stop government overreach.
Stand with law enforcement to fight crime and illegal immigration.
Enact term limits and put a check on career politicians in Topeka.
Support traditional family values and our constitutional rights.
Conservative Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Palenske
A Lifetime of Putting America First
