Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Thomas E. Barnes Jr. March 1, 1971 – October 13, 2022

Resident of Bogalusa, La. Graduated: Osterholz High School, Garlstadt, Germany; University of Maryland with a BS in Criminal Justice; Norwich University with a MA in International Relations / Terrorism.

Growing up in a military family, Tom was exposed to many cultures and experiences giving him pride in his country and a desire to serve. As a 12- year U.S. Army veteran, Tom served 2 tours to Korea, 1 to Germany and 1 to Iraq. He participated in Desert Storm where he suffered back injury resulting in two major surgeries, medically retired.

With 9/11, Tom’s focus turned to International Relations dealing with Islamic terrorism and homegrown radicalization process. His civilian career reflected lessons learned, as he worked for various agencies in this field:

DTRA – Defense Threat Reduction Agency – Emergency Management/Operation specialist evaluating the vulnerability of DOD facilities world-wide.

American Military University as an Adjunct Instructor for Terrorism/Counter terrorism courses.

International Security Firm as an Intel Analysis evaluating the threat assessments for international companies worldwide.

U.S. Military Magazine as a freelance writer specializing in articles focused on homegrown radicalization, in Europe and Africa.

DHS – Department of Homeland Security a Senior Counter – Terrorism Intel Analyst specializing in Middle East and Africa.

BLSS, LLC as the Director of Risk Management, conducting risk assessments for city and township schools and hospitals.

In later years, his greatest enjoyment (“wind-therapy”) was his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and being a member of the Infidels MC out of Gulfport, Mississippi.

Tom was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind a son, Zachary Barnes of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Sydney Barnes of Bogalusa, Louisiana; his mother, Linda Gayle (Martin) Barnes; two brothers, Chris (Cassie) Barnes of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Corey (Marcy) Barnes of Dublin, Ohio. Nieces and nephews, Tabitha, Trevor, and Gavin Barnes of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Albert Boytis of Oklahoma City, OK; Nicole Boytis of Bogalusa, Louisiana; plus numerous aunts and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 27 years Jennifer (Boytis) Barnes of Groveville, New Jersey; father Thomas Barnes Sr. of Bogalusa, Louisiana; grandparents Paul and Dorothy (Feutz) of St. Louis, Missouri; Lindsay “Frenchie” and Alberta “Tot” (Byrd) Martin of Bogalusa, Louisiana.