Profile: Anthony C. ("Tony") Thomas, Lt. Col, USAF (retired)

Career highlights: Began is his military service while still a student in high school, by joining the Air National Guard. As an Airman of the 360th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, he excelled as a continuous photo-processing specialist. As recognition for his consistent outstanding performance, he was rewarded with a high-speed aerial flight in a RF-4C Phantom Jet; enabling him to openly express his unyielding admiration and enthusiasm for air and space operations.

Led air intelligence operations for three F-16 Fighter Squadrons of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon Air Base Spain. Handpicked to lead US Air Forces Europe, 16th Air Force Provisional Intelligence Division in Doha, Qatar during Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM; ensured mission-critical intelligence was readily available to pilots of the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Recognized as the 16th Air Force Outstanding Intelligence Officer of the Year.

Handpicked for high-profile deployment to lead multinational and joint military service intelligence analysts at NATO's Targeting Cell in the Combined Air Operations Center, Vicenza, Italy, during the Bosnian Crisis; ensured timely and accurate intelligence analysis and assessments of enemy air force capability for planning numerous deliberate air campaigns and ad hoc missions. The Deputy Commander praised him as invaluable: "pure gold."

As a result of his many operational accomplishments, he was selected to lead Congressional Affairs & Targeting Policy for HQ United States Air Force, Pentagon; flawlessly coordinated Air Force policy and positions affecting over $10B in USAF ISR resources. He also served as a key advisor to the Chief of Staff Air Force, Deputy Chief, Air and Space Operations on precision coordinate capability and autonomous-guided munitions; praised for outstanding recommendations that aided the RT&D of new aerospace capabilities and future innovations.

Colonel Thomas' dedicated and selfless service helped ensure successful execution of a plethora of air & space operations in direct support of multiple overseas deployments, contingencies, air campaigns, war and peacetime activities around the world. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas reflect credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

Commissioning Source: AFROTC Scholarship, Detachment 019

Key Assignments: 544th Strategic Intelligence Wing, Strategic Air Command; 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon AB, Spain, US Forces Europe; 32nd Air Intelligence Squadron, US Forces Europe; HQ USAF, Pentagon; Joint Intelligence Center Pacific, US Pacific Command.