#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran George Thomas

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran George Thomas, who served as an artilleryman in the 23rd Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.

George Thomas was born and raised in Walker, Michigan. After graduating Kenowa Hills High School, he did not think that he would serve in the Army, because it was not in the plan for his life. He volunteered to follow his friend who had been drafted.

Thomas completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After, he served with B Battalion, 82nd Artillery Regiment, 23rd Infantry Division. He completed additional artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He trained using a 1105 mm M101A1 Howitzer, used to support the infantry.

Thomas deployed to Vietnam, serving until October 1971. He suffered from severe PTSD. He later contracted throat cancer from the exposure of Agent Orange, Agent Blue, Agent Pink, and other chemicals known as the Rainbow Herbicides during his time in Vietnam, making him a disabled Veteran.

After his service, Thomas struggled with what transpired over at Vietnam. He said he drank and had a difficult time holding relationships and feeling the hardships of society’s viewpoint of Vietnam War Veterans.

Because of this, Thomas created a Facebook group for Veterans to help raise awareness in the community about Veterans with post-war issues. This Facebook group acts as a place for Veterans to come and talk about their issues and to assist them in getting professional help. The Facebook group containing 47,000 members is Vietnam Veterans the Best of the Baby Boomers.

To this day, Thomas considers the best day of his life was when he returned home from Vietnam. Even when there was nobody to greet him, he felt a sense of absolute relief that his duty was done and he could rest and get on with his life. Thomas a Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal during his service.

After his service, Thomas worked as a corrections officer and no longer drinks.

Thomas has lived in Rockford, Michigan, for 31 years. He lives with his faithful dog, Piper.

Thank you for your service!

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It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Savannah Labbe

Editor: Essence McPherson

Fact checker: Enya Lowe

Graphic artist: Michelle Zischke