Lieutenant Commander Carol Thomas was born in Chicopee, MA. She began basic training in Orlando, FL in July 1986. In June 1996, she transitioned to the Navy Reserves at NOSC Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, CO. By September 1996, she joined the Colorado Department of Corrections and is now a Captain at Sterling Correctional Facility, Sterling, CO.
In June 2008, LCDR Thomas accepted her commission through the Limited Duty Officer program. She served as Officer in Charge of Maritime Expeditionary Communications Detachment 311, Training Officer for Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eleven and Fourteen, and Officer in Charge of the first Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Squadron One 2nd Platoon. She later became the N7 Training Department Head for the same squadron. LCDR Thomas successfully commanded Navy Reserve Navy Security Force units in Mayport, FL, Kings Bay, GA, and Gaeta, Italy. She retired from military service in October 2022.
Carol Thomas received her eligibility to the Veterans of Foreign Wars through her deployment to the Middle East earning the Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary Medal. Carol Thomas has served in various positions in the Post, District, and State levels including the Military Order of the Cooties where she was elected as the Grand Commander for the Colorado Cooties. She has earned All-State Post Commander, All-American Post/District Commander, National Aide-de-Camp. Currently holds the position of Colorado State Commander for the VFW. During the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, KY, she received the 2024 VFW Distinguished Fraternal Award. Her theme is “Restoring Veterans to the Forefront.”
Her decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (3rd Award); Navy & Marine Corp Achievement Medal (7th Award); Good Conduct Medal (5th Award); National Defense Medal (2nd Award); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Medal; Expert Pistol/Rifleman Medal; and other various ribbons.