Thomas was a Lt Col in the United States Marine Corps, and a 747 Captain with Pan American World Airways. He was an alumnus of Jamestown High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. He had earned the Eagle Scout award with the order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended the University of Colorado and became a life member of Delta Tau Delta. He went through Naval Cadet training in Pensacola Florida and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant. Upon his graduation he chose the United States Marine Corps as his branch of service. He continued his training and became a fighter pilot in the Marine Fighter Squadron 132, and flew A4B Skyhawks. He completed 4 years and a tour in Japan and returned home, where he entered Penn State and received a Civil Engineering degree. However, his love for flying prevailed and he hired on to Pan American World Airways to travel the world. He finished his working life doing what he loved best- Flying.