Palmetto man heading to Hall of Fame for decades of supporting America’s ‘war fighter’

There are lots of success stories that came out of the hallowed halls of the former Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, a school best known for its storied football legacy.

So when you think “Hall of Fame,” images may flow through the mind of those glory days when one of the toughest teams to ever grace a Manatee County gridiron came running out of the Lincoln Tunnel ready for action.

But for Palmetto native and Lincoln Memorial graduate Walter Thomas, it was 36 years of public service to the American war fighter that is sending him to a different kind of Hall of Fame.

Thomas will be inducted into the Defense Logistics Agency Hall of Fame on Sept. 29.

In a memo to DLA leadership, Army Lt. Gen. Darell Williams, the agency’s former director, said, those who obtain the honor “made significant and lasting contributions to this agency and its mission, and represents the core DLA values and ideals we strive to uphold today.”

The DLA supplies materials, support and resources to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and its NATO allies during times of peace and war. It’s no easy task to keep a large army on the move and battle ready.

After graduating from Lincoln Memorial in 1968, Thomas attended what is now the State College of Florida, and left the Bradenton area in 1970 to attend Howard University in Washington D.C. where he would eventually receive his juris doctor from the university’s school of law.

He decided to put his law degree to use in service to his country with the DLA and served as the agency’s senior associate general counsel for employment/labor and ethics at Fort Belvoir, VA, in his final role with the agency. He retired in 2014 having served on numerous committees with DLA and the Department of Defense, and helped create government-wide reforms and initiatives.

“This level of recognition is far beyond amazing,” Thomas said. “I was totally blown away when Mr. Brad Dunn, DLA HR director, personally informed me around July 16 that I was selected to be inducted into the DLA Hall of Fame. At this moment, I still feel overwhelmed and very much honored.”

Thomas said just to know he will be forever remembered among the agency’s few to receive this high-level recognition is more than an honor.

“More importantly, I feel most humble that my contribution in carrying out the mission of DLA in support of the war fighter is recognized and appreciated,” Thomas said. “No matter how small, I tried to make a difference or have an impact throughout my career. I am deeply honored to be recognized.”

The DLA could not achieve its monumental task without 24/7 commitment from the agency’s 26,000 employees, Thomas said.

DLA is committed “to providing the best service to our troops no matter where in the world they may be,” Thomas said. “DLA, through strategy and innovation, is co-located with the war fighter and ensures real-time delivery of goods, supply and services.”

Carolyn Wilson, Thomas’ cousin and one of several family members in Manatee County, knows about his big heart.

“When I reflect on my cousin, I would have to say that he is a kind, caring and loving individual that anyone that comes in contact with him cannot help but love him,” she said. “In other words, he meets no strangers and has a giving heart that he will give you the shirt off his back.”

Wilson said the best way to sum up her cousin is with a quote from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

“The ultimate measure of a man, is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Thomas’ induction into the DLA Hall of Fame comes during a time when high school graduates leave high school facing the challenges that come with a global pandemic. But Thomas leaves them with an important message that success knows no boundaries and overcomes all obstacles.

“Always stay focused on your goals and where necessary and appropriate, seek opportunities to move forward and sometimes out of your comfort zone,” Thomas said. “If part of a business, organization or institution; know, understand and appreciate their mission, goals and principles. Be part of the team. Importantly, never give up and never stop learning, even on the job.”

Being part of the team is most important, he said.

“My accomplishments were not mine alone or in a vacuum,” Thomas said. “Through the years, I’ve had great teams and a wonderful group of clients for whom I enjoyed working with and representing. Last and definitely not least, all the support I received from family, friends, colleagues and teachers who encouraged success.”