Photo By Sgt. Max Elliott | Tech. Sgt. James Thomas, assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Civil Support...... read more read more
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March 13, 2024 | Spc. Max Elliott, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – In the vibrant tapestry of American military service, the story of Tech. Sgt. James Thomas of the Ohio National Guard's 52nd Civil Support Team shines as a beacon of unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and the delicate balance between duty and family. With a career spanning over a decade, Thomas has navigated the complexities of active duty service, deployments, and critical roles within the security forces, ultimately finding his true calling in the specialized world of the CST.
Thomas' journey with the CST began in 2020 when he learned about the unit's unique mission.
"When I first heard about the CST, I just remember driving past the building on base one day and someone pointed it out and said that's the weapons of mass destruction unit," Thomas recalled. "They said that they're the guys that respond to real-world hazmat incidents.”
This elite unit, tasked with safeguarding the public from the most dangerous and unpredictable hazards, resonated deeply with Thomas' commitment to service and his desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Joining the CST marked a turning point in Thomas' career. He embarked on a path that would challenge him professionally and personally.
Thomas' dedication and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, and his promotion within the CST from staff sergeant to technical sergeant was a testament to his exceptional capabilities and the respect he had garnered from his peers and superiors alike.
This milestone, however, held a more profound significance for Thomas, as it coincided with a profound personal milestone—becoming a father.
"We had just started a family, my wife and I, which helped quite a bit." Thomas quipped, underlining the delicate balance between his professional achievements and the joys of family life.
As a team leader, Thomas exemplified the core values of a noncommissioned officer, prioritizing the well-being and growth of his team members above all else.
"I just want to ensure they're cared for before anything else," Thomas explained. "In any way I can help, whether it's knowledge or not, I'm thankful because the two personnel that I'm responsible for are pretty well-organized people."
This approach, rooted in empathy and support, fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and trust within the CST, enabling the team to tackle the most challenging situations with confidence and unity.
One of Thomas' most significant contributions to the CST has been his role in designing and implementing training scenarios that reflect the complex realities the team may face in real-world situations. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the CST's mission, Thomas crafted exercises that pushed the team to their limits, forcing them to think critically and adapt to evolving threats.
"I just thought about what would be a more than likely real-world scenario," Thomas explained. "We often see these scenarios tied together somehow, which doesn't make sense. So I wanted something more real-world and something that would give everybody something to think about while they're doing it."
Thomas' training exercises, from radiological threat simulations on Coronado Island to shipboard illness outbreak scenarios, bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These immersive experiences sharpened the team's technical skills and fostered a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that the CST remains at the forefront of emergency response preparedness.
Yet, amidst the demands of his role, Thomas remained acutely aware of the sacrifices that come with military service, particularly the time spent away from his loved ones.
"I miss my wife and two youngsters," Thomas shared. "When you go on trips like this, and you miss them as much as you do, I think it makes the time at home much more enjoyable."
Despite the challenges, Thomas draws strength from his family's unwavering support, recognizing that their love and understanding are the foundation upon which his service is built.
As Thomas looks to the future, his aspirations reflect a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth.
"I've enjoyed the heck out of this job and working with these folks, but I don't know where that next journey is," he shared. "I'm ready for it."
Tech. Sgt. James Thomas' story remains a strong example of resilience, sacrifice and unwavering dedication to a higher cause. His journey with the 52nd CST inspires all those who strive to make a difference, both in the service of their country and in the lives of those they hold dear.
Through his leadership, innovative approach to training, and ability to balance the demands of duty with the joys of family life, Thomas embodies the very best of what it means to be a member of the armed forces.
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2024 20:08 |
| Story ID: | 467836 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO , CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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