Master Sergeant (Ret.) Shane Thomas is a 20 year Air Force veteran who served in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM as a paralegal. During Thomas’ first deployment in support of IRAQI FREEDOM, he was instrumental in establishing the new Iraqi court system. “It was a real awesome experience to be a part of history,” said Thomas. In his second deployment, he and his boss became the focal point for all military justice actions on Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
He believes the pinnacle of his career was in performing the special duties of a First Sergeant. A First Sergeant is responsible for the morale, welfare, and conduct of all the enlisted members in a squadron and is the chief adviser to the squadron commander concerning the enlisted force. "Accomplishment to me means coming back to help people out," he said. “As a First Sergeant I felt fortunate to provide that support to the Airmen,” said Thomas.
Thomas is currently a mechanic at the Outdoor Recreation Center in Hill Air Force Base, Utah.