Celebrating 40 Years: A Conversation with Thomas McEntire Weber ’85

Class President, Bravo Company Commander, and Illinois State Representative

Next month marks the 40th class reunion for Thomas McEntire Weber, Class of 1985. A former Cadet Captain of Bravo Company and Senior Class President, Tom recently sat down with us over lunch to reflect on his time at St. John’s Military Academy—and the lifelong impact it has had on him.

“Everything I understand about leadership and working with others,” Tom shared, “I learned at SJMA.” That’s a powerful testament—especially coming from someone who now serves as the Illinois State Representative for the 64th House District, a role he’s held since 2018. Leadership is a daily part of his life, and he gives full credit to SJMA for laying the foundation that has guided him personally and professionally.

Tom’s journey to SJMA began with a simple road trip in 1980. He and his father were driving when they spotted a billboard for the Academy. Intrigued, they scheduled an interview. The visit convinced them it was the right place for him—and Tom would go on to spend all four of his high school years at SJMA.

Throughout his cadet experience, the FM 22-5 Army Field and Leadership Manual was a constant companion. “It gave me the structure and principles I needed to succeed—not just in high school, but far beyond.” During his summers, Tom served as a counselor at Makajawan Boy Scout Reservation, Counselor at SJMA for ESL students, and attended Advanced Leadership Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He recalls one particularly nerve-wracking Saturday morning inspection under Col. Ralph Abston. “He was in a mood,” Tom laughed, “and I just hoped our company was ready.” But his most cherished memory wasn’t about inspections or field manuals—it was the day his parents received the “Best Fan” award from the athletic department. “They never missed a game,” he said. “Seeing the smile on my mother’s face when she got that award meant the world to me.”

After graduating, Tom returned to his family farm, working as a carpenter and electrician before launching his own construction business in 1996. Today, that company has been proudly serving residents of Lake and McHenry Counties for more than 20 years. In 1989, he married his wife Becki, and together they’ve raised two adult children and have 5 grand children. The couple still resides in Tom’s original family farmhouse.

Tom remains deeply connected to his roots and to the St. John’s community. He’s doing well and is eagerly looking forward to Alumni Weekend on May 2nd and 3rd—reuniting with classmates, revisiting old memories, and celebrating the enduring legacy of SJMA.