INTRODUCTION NOTES
SAMUEL M. THOMAS. JR.
smthomas@ix.netcom.com
Over 40 years experience in leadership in Communications and Information Systems research and development, installation, operation of advanced technology electronic communications, computers, information, navigation, and weapons systems. A pioneer in the Information Age and a recognized leader in the field of Informatics and Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence.
Levels of responsibility over 32 years in industry have covered the full range from engineering, marketing, program and general management to President and Chairman of an international multi-million dollar high-technology Company.
A broad background in successful turnaround of corporations, divisions, profit centers, programs and products through application of management, marketing and technical leadership.
Fields of expertise include general management, manufacturing, engineering, marketing/sales and field service/customer support. Technical background includes digital and analog computers, data processing, telecommunications, electromechanical devices, position location and navigation, satellites, information systems , data networks, and Informatics for Government and Business. Special interests have been in Secure Systems, Health Care and Internet exploitation.
Personal:
Born: Birmingham Alabama August 7, 1931.
Wife: Nadine Israel Thomas, born Portland, OR.
Children: 4 Sons, Samuel III (D), Christopher, Michael, and Mark (D); 1 Daughter, Linda.
Father (D): Brig. Gen. Samuel M. Thomas (USA Sig C) , born Searcy Arkansas. Mother: Bebe Wharton Thomas, born Birmingham, AL.
Education:
(1995) Registered South Carolina Residential Builder
(1959) Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
(1953) Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy. (Entered West Point from the 2nd Congressional District, Arkansas)
(1949) Graduate of Georgia Military Academy (Woodward Academy).
Holds patents in the fields of electronic, electromechanical, and optical devices and technology.
Member of the Internet Society (ISOC) established in 1992 and Member of the International Association of Web Masters and Designers. 1998 Golden Web award (Organizational Category- usma.org)
Member of the Board of Technical Advisors of the National Science Center Foundation. (Augusta, GA)
Initial Chairman of the Strategic Issues and Initiatives Committee, Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
Instrumental in bringing focus to collaborative efforts of The Army Signal Corps and Medical Corps at Ft. Gordon which lead to the establishment of Eisenhower Medical Center as the First Center for Total Access. Personally organized and led the Telemedicine Demonstrations for Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstrations 1994.
Awarded the U. S. Army Signal Regiment’s highest award , "Silver Order of Mercury"
Presented by U.S. Army Chief of Signals (1995) .
Awarded a Department of the Army Official Commendation for efforts in establishing Eisenhower Medical Center as a center for Telemedicine. Presented 1995 by The Commanding U.S. Army Eisenhower Medical Center and TRICARE Region III.
Served as the Electronics Industry Associations Member of the Department of Defense NATO Industrial Advisory Group.
Served as the first industry panel chairman for the Department of Defense Joint Interoperability Conference (JTC3A).
Recommended for the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence by US business leaders and many members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat.
Served as member of the 1988-1989 Bush transition team security office in Washington, DC.
Government Development Laboratory project manager for development and launch of the first U.S. Secure Communications Satellites (ADVENT & SYNCOM).
Industry Program Manager for the Development and deployment of the Polaris satellite navigation system for the U. S. nuclear submarine fleet.
Conceived and developed (Project Purple) a light manpack device which allowed world wide laptop computer to Pentagon secure data communications using existing UHF satellites. This equipment is used throughout the world and has served urgent communication needs from diverse places such as the Wall of China and Desert Storm.
Member of the Initial DARPA Survivable Radio Working Group that lead the technology development for the evolution of today’s Packet Radio , DDN, and Internet systems.
Selected as the U.S. Army's Signal instructor for the initial cadre which formed the New West German Army in 1956.
Commanded (SOU 23) Special Operations unit in the Middle East.
Was an active Amateur Radio enthusiast for many years. Call signs have included W1VWO, DL4IL and OE13ST
Associations:
Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), Board of Advisors of the National Science Center Foundation , AFCEA, AUSA, VFW, Sons of the American Revolution, Military Order of World Wars, Association of Old Crows , Air Force Association, Signal Corps Assn., Navy League. Internet Society, (IAWMD) International Association of Web Masters and Designers, Association of Graduates of USMA and Founder of the West Point Society of Greater Augusta.