Tim Thomas, a Melbourne City Councilman, has reached his term limit, and retiring as the founder of the Viera High JROTC program, concluding a remarkable journey of public service that has spanned several decades. Thomas’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving his country, his community, and the students of Brevard County.
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A Military Veteran’s Journey
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas began his illustrious career in the United States military, where he served with honor and dedication until his retirement. His time in the armed forces instilled in him a strong sense of duty and discipline, qualities that he carried with him throughout his subsequent roles in civilian life. During his 23 years in the Army, Thomas held numerous key leadership positions at the Brigade, Division, Corps, and Department of Defense levels and served two combat tours in Iraq. Notably, in 1998, he and his Search and Recovery Team were granted access to North Korea, where they successfully recovered and repatriated the remains of six soldiers from the Korean War.
Transforming JROTC in Brevard County
After retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2010, Thomas turned his attention to education, specifically focusing on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. He was immediately hired by Viera High School to start up an Army JROTC program. As a teacher and mentor, he played a pivotal role in building the JROTC into one of Brevard County’s premier programs. His efforts not only enhanced the lives of countless students but also established a legacy of excellence and commitment to leadership and service.
LTC Tim Thomas (left) and SFC Carl Thomas (right)
Thomas’s impact on the students was profound, as he instilled in them the values of discipline, responsibility, and community service. His dedication to the program and its participants earned him widespread respect and admiration from students, parents, and colleagues alike.
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Service to the Community as a City Councilman
In addition to his contributions to education, Thomas has been a steadfast public servant as a Melbourne City Councilman, representing District 1. Known as a staunch conservative Republican, he was elected to the City Council in November 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, also serving as the City of Melbourne’s Vice Mayor. He has been an active member of the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport Authority Board. Throughout his tenure, Thomas has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the residents of Melbourne. His conservative initiatives and policies have focused on enhancing public safety, promoting economic development, and ensuring the sustainability of the community.
State Ret Tyler Sirois, LTC Tim Thomas, Senator Debbie Mayfield, Congressman Bill Posey, Sheriff Ivey, and Juney
Thomas’s term as a city councilman is marked by his proactive approach to addressing the needs of his constituents and his ability to work collaboratively with other council members and city officials. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on Melbourne, and his legacy will continue to influence the community for years to come.
A Lifetime of Service
As Tim Thomas retires from his role as a city councilman, it is clear that his life has been defined by a commitment to service. From his early days in the military to his transformative work with the JROTC and his impactful tenure on the city council, Thomas has consistently put the needs of others before his own. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service will undoubtedly inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.
Tim Thomas speaking at Official Unveiling of Memorial Monument for: Command Sergeant Major William F. Ryan United States Army
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Tim Thomas was born in Quincy, Illinois, but grew up in Pensacola, Florida, where he attended Tate High School and played football for legendary coach Carl Madison. He continued his education at Marion Military Institute on a football scholarship and later graduated from Auburn University in Montgomery with a Bachelor of Science degree in government. He earned a master’s degree in administration through Central Michigan University while attending the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Thomas is also very active in the community, supporting homeless veterans through Operation Stand Downs and helping students at Viera High School in securing passage of the “All American Flag Act.” He is a member of the Association of the United States Army, the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter, and the Republican Mentors Club of Brevard. His wife, Heather Thomas, is a dual sworn deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. They have three children: Tommy, Savana, and Dallas, and they attend the Elevation Church in Melbourne.
Former Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Tim Thomas
The community will definitely feel his absence from the decades of service he has given. One thing I’ve learned about those with a heart to serve though is that it’s hard to stop. We look forward to what he may do next. There’s no doubt, no matter what it is, he will put his entire heart into it, with the community’s best interest in mind.
