FOR COLLEGE AND COUNTRY

This book embodies years of research into the lives and deaths of one college's alumni during World War Two. Ranging from dispersed Pacific islands to battlefields in Germany, Pueblo Junior College contributed to the nation's war efforts in all branches of service. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines are not forgotten.

The author, a current faculty member at Pueblo Community College, spent years of personal time contacting, remaining family members.  Some contributed family photographs and personal information that otherwise would remain unknown to the general history researcher.  It is the story of an average American city which contributed to the national effort to win World War II and, in doing so, lost some of their best and brightest citizens ----those who may have become their future leaders.  Although tinged with sadness, this narrative documents their background, training, and circumstances of death so that their names and contributions are remembered for future generations --- and that their service to their country and their deaths were not in vain.

Mr. Thomason has a B.A. in History and Government, a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Management, and numerous credits towards a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Mr. Thomason graduated from the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia and served as an Army officer 1976-1989 (active) and 1989-98 (reserve).  He held numerous positions of leadership and responsibility in Asia, Europe, Alaska, and the continental United States.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas and is a life member of both the Korean War Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Thomason is a member of numerous historical and veterans organizations, and includes history research among his many interests.  He teaches classes and gives presentations on a variety of history and library-related topics, including Internet search methodology, archival preservation, and military history.  He has also been honored by the Korean War Veterans Association for work in their behalf.

Mr. Thomason is currently tenured faculty at Pueblo Community College, Pueblo, Colorado.  This is his third book.