AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > July > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJohn Thomas: Soldier kept up family tradition
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Valdosta â€â€? Sgt. John Thomas was fascinated with America’s space program.
Sgt. John Thomas
On Tuesday, the day Michelle Thomas got word that her son had been killed in Iraq, she paid tribute to him by going to a friend’s house near Florida’s Kennedy Space Center to watch the launch of the space shuttle Discovery.
“She was proud, obviously proud of what he did,” said Joe Perron, who spoke Wednesday on behalf of his sister, Michelle, who lives in Rockledge, Fla.
John Thomas, 33, a graduate of Valdosta High School, also loved the military. Men in his family had served for generations, including his grandfather and late father, who both served in the Air Force. Thomas attended Shimer College in Waukegan, Ill., for a year, then left to join the Marines.
He served for four years. In 2003, he decided to join the Army National Guard. In civilian life, he worked in construction and ran heavy equipment at a local bakery and supermarket.
Thomas’ relatives said he knew there was a chance he would be sent to Iraq.
He was excited when he got word that his Valdosta-based unit was being sent to Iraq, said an aunt, Elisa Thomas. “He was happy and proud,” she said. “He was scared, but he was looking forward to it.”
Grandparents John Frank and Manuela Thomas of Valdosta, who helped raise their grandson, remembered a sweet, spiritual young man. They said he didn’t belong to any one church, but spent time at several churches of different denominations, worshipping and learning about their beliefs.
Family members haven’t worked out the details of his funeral, though they plan to hold it in Valdosta. The grandparents say he will be buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, where his father, Antonio Thomas, is buried. Antonio Thomas died four years ago, but the family didn’t bury his ashes until about three months ago. The young soldier was there, and his relatives said he told them that was where he wanted to be buried someday.
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Michele
July 28, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this
To the Thomas family, please accept my sincerest condolences.
By carol cole
July 28, 2005 11:29 PM | Link to this
My deepest condolences to your family. Will be praying for each of you during your time of grief and travel.
By Suzanne Thomasson
August 1, 2005 07:31 PM | Link to this
Thinking Of You During This Time Of Sorrow Words Cannot truly express the deep sorrow that is felt by so many people. Thoughts are with you today and always.
With Sympathy. Suzanne Thomasson Jr Vice President VFW Auxiliary Post 1843 Glencoe OK 74032
By SSG Arthur W. Herin
August 2, 2005 03:48 PM | Link to this
May God Bless and comfort you and your entire family during this loss. John will be missed greatly. John was a good person and a good soldier and Marine. Semper Fidelis. SSG Arthur W. Herin.
By Sonya
August 5, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this
My husband is with the 48th in Iraq. We are sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers. May God give you strength during this time.
By Philip E. Schlesinger Sr., Commander, VFW Post 5978 Nashville, Georgia 31639
August 5, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this
Thank You Comrade Thomas for making the ultimate sacrifice so that America can remain free of diabolical acts of terrorism by stopping the radicals within their own country before they could get to ours. Rest in Peace Sgt Thomas, Your job is finished and you did it well. Your family has our deepest sympathies and you have our greatest Respect.