Thomas E. Dayley is a fifth-generation Idahoan. Growing up as the ninth of 12 children helped Tom formulate his basic values of the importance of hard work, reverence for the sanctity of life, and the need for personal responsibility. Tom is proud of his family, including his wife of over 40 years, the former Catherine Kennington of Ontario, Oregon, his son, daughter, son-in-law and three (soon to be four!) grandchildren.

After receiving his BA in Political Science/Spanish at Brigham Young University, Tom continued his education with an MA in International Relations at the University of Southern California in Oxford, England. Tom served his country four years in the United States Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious serviceas the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Target Materials Vault, Intelligence Division, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing.