Colonel (Ret) Thomas was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. He traveled with his family around the country during his school years, graduating from high school in Burkburnett, Texas. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Western Illinois University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Touro University. COL Thomas entered the military in 1976 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Signal Corps in 1980. He is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College. He served at numerous locations around the world to include Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, and several posts in the United States. COL Thomas served several years as an Active Duty member of the Alabama Army National Guard, primarily in Decatur with the 142d Signal Brigade. His final duty assignment was at deployed locations with the 335th Theater Signal Command and Multi-National Forces–Iraq. Upon retirement from the Army in 2006 after 29 years service, COL Thomas became the Senior Army Instructor at Albertville High School. COL Thomas and his wife Jackie live in Decatur, Alabama. They have two grown children - Tim and Amanda who live in and around Decatur and one granddaughter - Matelyn. His off-time activities include church, music, golf, computers, and being with his family.