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Margaret Miller
Local Couple United in Air Force
Thompsons Boast Nearly 50 Years of Combined Service
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BY MARGARET MILLER
Nov. 11 is a national holiday designed to honor the veterans who have and are so tirelessly serving our country. “Thank you for your service,” is an expression one hears often.
There is a local couple, retired Air Force Senior Master Sgts. (E8) Tommy and Robernetta Thompson of Canton, who say the opposite: “Thank you for allowing us to serve. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to protect our families and our country.” They agreed that if our country needed them today, they would reenlist.
The two have more than 24 years of service each in the Air Force. Tommy, a native of Pittsburg, Texas, followed in his older brother’s footsteps by enlisting in the Air Force after high school. During his tenure, he served in the Vietnam War and completed three tours in Saudi Arabia, supporting Desert Storm/Desert Shield. His job was that of crew chief of several B-52 aircraft models. Later, he became maintenance manager on RC-135, KC-135, EC-135 and U-2 aircrafts.
Robernetta’s first attempt to join the armed forces failed because she was too small, but once she gained the pounds, she enlisted in the Air Force and was off to a successful career. First, this Chattanooga, Tennessee, native was assigned to vehicle operations. From there, she went into training administration. She also served in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm/Desert Shield and at different bases around the world.
Tommy and Robernetta first met in England at Mildenhall Air Force Base. Later, they met again when they were assigned to Osan Air Force Base in Korea. They were married in July 1994, creating a blended family.
Now, they are enjoying retirement. “We spend our time playing games, watching TV, cruising, traveling, enjoying the grandkids and looking forward to the next day.” Tommy added: “The military allowed us to see the world, and we would like to continue that journey.”
Tommy and Robernetta Thompson get ready for dinner on a cruise.
Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.
