Commander Thomas A. Rainville was born on June 4, 1968 in Glens Falls, NY. His parents, Fred and Phyllis Rainville, currently reside in Arygle, NY. He has three brothers (Tony, Brandon, and Joe) and one sister (Teri-Jo). He was a four-year varsity letterman in wrestling and earned All-Foothills honors his senior year. He was active in Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1986.
Commander Rainville graduated from Norwich University in 1990 earning a B.A. in History. While at Norwich, he was the first Norwich University wrestler to earn All-American status in 1989 and again in 1990. In May of 1990, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. Tom was inducted into the Norwich University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and the New England Wrestling Association Hall of Fame in 2008.
After graduating from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Class 171, he reported to SEAL Team FIVE in early 1991. Later that year, he also graduated from U.S. Army Ranger School.
Throughout his 22 year career, Commander Rainville excelled in operational leadership positions such as Assistant SEAL Platoon Commander, SEAL Platoon Commander, SEAL Team Executive Officer, SEAL Task Unit Commander and Deputy Commander for a deployed Joint Special Operations Task Force.
In December 2000, he earned a Master’s of Science in Defense Analysis (Financial Management) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he completed multiple combat deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Commander Rainville’s personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) and the
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
After Commander Rainville retired from active duty Naval Service, he assumed a position as the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake liaison to Naval Special Warfare Command focusing on developing emerging technologies for operational employment. Presently, he continues to serve in this position.
He is married to Karen Rainville (Schmidt) of Argyle, New York. They have two boys, Joshua and Jacob. They reside in San Diego, CA.