The Rotary Club of Enfield is honoring Enfield’s veterans by sponsoring military tribute banners that will be displayed in Higgins Park, the Town Green, Freshwater Walkway, North Main Street and Hazardville between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 and 2027. The Enfield Public Library partnered with Enfield Rotary to preserve digital versions of these banners as well as biographical information about each veteran.

Thomas Orifice

United States air force 1983-2021

operation iraqi freedom

chief master sergeant

meritorious service medal w/OLC (3)

CMSgt Tom Orifice enlisted in the Massachusetts Air National Guard in March of 1983 as a Fuels Management Specialist. He was selected to serve as the 104th Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader in 2014 and promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 2017. He was selected to serve as the 104th Mission Support Group Superintendent in 2019 and served in the position until his retirement in 2021.

During his 38 year career, CMSgt Orifice deployed in support Operations Deny Flight/Deliberate Force, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He was also part of the initial response team to New York City in support of Hurricane Sandy. CMSgt Orifice received numerous awards, to include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. A recognized expert in his field, he was selected as the USAF Air Reserve Component Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for his career field in 2010, and the 104th Fighter Wing's Airman, NCO, and Senior NCO of the Year during his tenure.

Chief Orifice currently serves as the Aerospace Science Instructor for the Chicopee High School AFJROTC Program, and is active in many local veteran and social organizations.