Brian Thomas,
Board Member, NVVMF

Brian C. Thomas grew up outside Knoxville TN and joined the Air Force in 1997. Shortly after arriving at his first assignment, Brian met his wife of 21 years, Shannon, who is currently serving on Active Duty in the Air Force. Brian and Shannon have 3 sons.

During his military career, Brian led at the squadron, group, wing and joint task force levels. His deployments included supporting Operations Allied Force, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. In 2021, after a 24 year Active Duty career, Brian retired as the Command Chief of the 55th Wing located at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue NE. He decided to plant roots and call Nebraska home for his family.

Brian holds 3 college degrees, a Professional Management Certification, is a Master Instructor, and holds a Green Belt in Continuous Process Improvement. He has studied executive leadership at Harvard University’s Kennedy School Online, UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, the Institute for Defense Business and the Department of Defense National Defense University.

Upon retiring, he started a commercial real estate brokerage business. He dedicates his free time to what he calls his “passion project” of serving veterans and transitioning military members in the local area. Brian also has a passion for helping special needs adults attain gainful employment. Accordingly, he serves as an Executive Board Member for Goodwill Specialty Services.

“As a 3rd generation Veteran in my family, it seems that I’ve been in and around the military for most of  my life hearing stories of heroism, sorrow, and nearly unbelievable tales of sacrifice in support of  Freedom and our Great Nation. The opportunity to join the NVVMF board and be a vital member of this  Memorial and Foundation presented me with a unique opportunity to make sure that the stories and  legacies of the 400 Nebraskans who give their last full measure in the Vietnam War will never be  forgotten and their stories will forever be immortalized and told to all for generations of visitors to come.”

Brian Thomas,

Board Member, NVVMF

2023_NVVMF_Board Member 1

Quick Facts

  • Service BranchAir Force
  • HometownKnoxville
  • Home CountyKnox County

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