Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Edward Thomas

Army Veteran Edward Thomas grew up in Newark, New Jersey. He enlisted in 1965 to serve as a Nike Hercules missile integrated fire control (IFC) crewman. During his one-year deployment to South Korea beginning in January 1968, Thomas claimed that for luck, “I never let go of my M14 rifle.”

With conflicts flaring up across the Demilitarized Zone between 1966 and 1969, 1968 was an unsettled year. Being in Korea then shocked Thomas, who described it as “a warzone in a 3rd world country.”

Even though Thomas was officially stationed at the missile base, he spent time at several bases around Korea, including in Seoul, Uijeongbu and Taegu. In his free time, he practiced Taekwondo or played cards and baseball. Reaching the rank of sergeant, he returned home and left the service after his tour in Korea and a total of three years in the Army.

Thomas went to Control Data Institute and other computer manufacturer training schools for his career in systems engineering, working with computer hardware and software. He worked first with the bulky, early computers of the ’60s and ’70s all the way up to modern, compact servers before retiring.

Currently volunteering at the Post 7508 VFW in Old Bridge, New Jersey, as a Service Officer, Thomas helps Veterans and their families with benefits, housing, medical care and social needs.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Michelle A. Shade

Editors: Tayler Rairigh, Ethan Oleson

Researcher: Raphael Romea