Jack Thomas played for Slippery Rock from 1961-63 for head coach Jim Egli, who coincidently enough was also Thomas’ physical education teacher for three years at the Pennsbury School District.
In addition to helping lead the Slippery Rock soccer team to 14 wins (53 percent the team’s matches over his career), Thomas was also a standout on the SRU track and field team from 1960-63.
As distinguished of an athletic career that Thomas had at SRU, it hardly compared to what he accomplished after his collegiate playing days were over.
Following graduation from Slippery Rock, Thomas served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy from 1963-70. Over that time, he completed 238 total combat missions and 400 carrier landings in Vietnam during extended deployments on the USS Ticonderoga, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Independence. Thomas eventually retired with the rank of Colonel and a total of 33 years of military service to his credit.
Thomas’ courage has been recognized on numerous occasions. He has earned the Legion of Merit, 19 air medals, five Navy commendation medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Outside of the Navy, Thomas has also worked as a pilot with both Pan American Airways (1968-70, 1987-91), Delta Air Lines (1991-99) and as a fighter pilot instructor with the Air Force National Guard (1970-91). Thomas also taught physics at Incline High School where he also coached the wrestling team.
Thomas and his wife, Deanna, reside in Rollins, Montana and have two children: Reed and Julia.
