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.
As the Legislative Director for the Department of Colorado Steve’s responsibility is to provide direction with planning, coordination, and implementation of the VFW Colorado state and national legislative agenda with members of the Colorado U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, their staff, and congressional committees.
Steve works with other state and federal departments, agencies and organizations. Likewise, he creates and grows grassroot efforts to reach members of the community, supporting and like organizations, with the goal of improving the quality of daily living and lives of our military, Veterans, and their family members.
Steve first joined the VFW 23 years ago, just a few months prior to 9/11 while in Korea where he was the 7th Air Force Fire Chief. The fire protection subject matter expert for war planning combat action recovery, resource allocation throughout the Korean peninsula, and he oversaw the needs for fire protection during the reception and bed down of additional forces during national contingency operations.
A very experienced and accomplished Firefighter, he spent many years on the Rescue Crew at U.S. Air Force bases and deployed locations around the world. He finished his Air Force career as the Fire Chief for Site Management within the NORAD / Northcom command structure in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Steve earned many awards and decorations such as the Meritorious Service medal, the National Defense Service medal with one Bronze Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management, plus a degree in Fire Science.
As it turns out, with many years as a large organizational leader he has developed the natural skills and expertise to develop and build organizations. Almost always preaching the mantra to enable ownership in processes within organizations, this serves the organization’s synergy which builds organizational flow producing greater talent, positive results, and achieving its goals.
Steve’s legislative education and acumen developed over the years, first within fire protection community in selling fire prevention. Secondly, attending and participating in political office holder workshops of the two major political parties. He enjoys working with people of various values, political persuasions. He cultivates the art of influence and motivation to invest in a better pathway for military, Veterans, and their family members.
Prior to his appointment as Legislative Director, he served as the VFW Colorado State Commander where he guided the 16,600+ members and staff of the state organization toward several membership awards, created the management plan that provided the path for all thirteen districts of Colorado to participate in scholarship programs for youth, recognizing incredible educators, and public safety employees.
Steve is an U.S. Air Force retiree and disabled veteran who lives across from the north gate of the Air Force Academy with his wife Janna and they have two daughters. Christina and Ayana; Christina (BS in Speech and Hearing sciences, ASU) teaches special needs third and fourth grade children in Scottsdale, Arizona and Ayana (BA in Music Theater, Boston Conservatory of Music) works on stage in Broadway.
Steve is a Gold Legacy life member of the VFW, an All-American State Commander, a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, a life member of the VFW National Home for Children, and past Chairman for the VFW Western Conference.
David Stone was elected to a second four-year term on the VFW's National Council of Administration on August 1, 2024, at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, representing the Department of Colorado.
David served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1999, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Berlin and Korea. His decorations include the Army of Occupation Medal.
He joined the VFW in 1995 at Post 3917 in Security, Colorado, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as the Department of Colorado Commander from 2019 to 2020, in which he achieved All-American status. On the national level, he has serviced as National Aide-de-Camp and has served on the General Resolutions Committee. This is his second term serving on the Council of Administration, previously serving from 2020 to 2024.
David received his Bachelor of Science in information systems management. He is currently employed as a cybersecurity engineer.
David and his wife, Laura, reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.