Lieutentant Commander Thomas was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Florida.  He is a graduate of Hialeah Senior High (Class of 1968).  After graduation, LCDR Thomas enlisted in the U. S. Navy and attended basic training at Naval Recruit Training Command in San Diego.  During his initial enlistment he served as an Electrician's Mate at the Small Craft Repair Facility, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA.

    At re-enlistment, LCDR Thomas volunteered for Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training.  Upon completion of his training he was assigned to EOD Mobile Unit ONE at Barbers Point, Hawaii.  There he served on three shipboard deployments to the Western Pacific and Vietnam as a member of the EOD team embarked aboard the USS MIDWAY (CV 41), USS SACRAMENTO (AOE 1), and USS KISKA (AE 27).  In 1976, LCDR Thomas was assigned instructor duty at the Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Indian Head, Maryland.  While there, LCDR Thomas was promoted to Electrician's Mate Chief (EMC) and was selected for advancement under the Navy's Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program.

    He returned to Hawaii as an Ensign and served as Officer in Charge of the EOD team embarked aboard the USS KILEAU (AE 29) deployed to the Western Pacific.  He also served as Administrative Officer, Materiel Officer, and Public Affairs Officer at EOD Mobile Unit ONE.  Upon completion of his Mobile Unit tour, he served as Officer in Charge of EOD Group ONE Detachment Sasebo, Japan.  Then as Assistant Officer in Charge of EOD Mobile Unit THREE Detachment China Lake.  Finally, as Lieutenant Commander, he completed his twenty-three year career as Executive Officer, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit ONE.

    After retiring, LCDR Thomas completed his undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.  He received Florida Teacher certification in 1994 and taught Social Sciences at Deerfield Beach Middle School before standing up the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) unit at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School in Miami, Florida. In August 2004, Lieutenant Commander Thomas accepted the Senior Naval Science Instructor position at J. P. Taravella High School.

    LCDR Thomas has received the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other service medals and unit awards.