Tom Equels' many achievements read a bit like the back of an adventure novel — decorated combat pilot, celebrated attorney, philanthropist, international equestrian champion, pharmaceutical CEO and even a black belt in karate. Equel's wide ranging career has taken him around the world — from the jungles of Vietnam to Florida courtrooms. Through it all, his work has been united around an unwavering belief that commitments to justice can change the world. 

"All of us can make a difference every day by being who we are and speaking our truth," Equels said. "We change society one small step at a time, so long as we always move forward in our march for social justice." 

Equels attended then-Troy State University while stationed at Fort Rucker. After returning from Vietnam in 1973, he became a helicopter instructor pilot and also enrolled at TROY to pursue a college degree.