Local Sergeant retires from Army

Courtesy photo

Sgt. Larry E. Thomas

First Sergeant Larry E. Thomas retired from the United States Army during a ceremony held on June 4, 2011.

Thomas is a native of Boutte and son of Theola and stepson of Curtis Gullage.

He entered the military on April 16, 1985. He received his basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning in Georgia. Since then, he has served in numerous leadership positions and assignments.

His last active duty assignment was as Senior Military Instructor for the ROTC program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Courses, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle Course, the Training Developer Middle Managers Course, the System Approach to Training Basic Course, the Army Instructor Training Course, the Army Facilitator Course and the Observer Controller Academy.

He has received many awards and decorations during his time with the Army, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (9th Award), Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), National Defense Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Over Seas Ribbon (3rd Achievement), the NATO Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

He also received the Order of Saint Maurice Award, given to those who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, moral courage, professional competence and dedication to duty.

Thomas is married to Lisa Marie Jefferson and they have two daughters, Miranda (husband Armod) and Ebonie, and a grandson, Hayden. He mentors 10-year-old X’zavier McFaddan.