Thomas L. Person Sr. is a retired Army Sergeant First Class and a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is a 1979 graduate of Pine Crest Sr. High, Southern Pines, North Carolina, and a 1996 graduate of Central Texas College with an Associate Degree in General Studies, he is also graduated from ECPI College 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a graduate of ECPI 2013with Concentration in Homeland Security. Thomas is also a graduate of Columbia Southern University in Alabama with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Thomas also is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success from Columbia Southern University.

Past Commander Person is married to the former Lois Jean Powell, a native of Waco Texas, and is the proud father of two sons, Dayshawn Anderson a long haul truck driver and Thomas II who is currently a Captain serving in the United States Air Forces in Abu Dhabi the capital f United Arab Emirates.

Past Commander Person’s tours of duty during his 22 years of active service included Peace Keeping Exercise to Albania, combat tours to Southwest Asia, Desert Storm/Desert Shield 1991, Hungary 1997, and Iraq’s Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004, and numerous stateside assignments to include the Pentagon and multiple overseas assignments to Germany.

His awards also include the German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge (Gold), Samuel Sharpe Award, Combat Action Badge while serving in Iraq, Southwest Asia Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3^rd Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Arm Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Commander Person has been a member of Staff Sargeant James B. Dennis VFW Post 6018 for 17+ years and has held such positions as Trustee 3 years, Senior Vice Commander, All American & All-State Commander of Post 6018, 2011-2013, All American District 8^th Commander 2015-2016 and All-American Department of NC Membership Chairperson 2021. He has been a District 8 Inspector, and the Central Conference President for two years. Lastly, 2018-2019 Past Commander Person was the President of the Past Commander & Past President’s Club for VFW Post 6018.

His work doesn’t stop there; he’s a lifetime member of the VFW National Home for Children, Legacy Bronze Lifetime Member of the VFW organization, 1 Gold and 1 Bronze pin for Volunteers Service from the Commander-in-Chief program Washington DC.

His Quote: "The things that I have accomplished in my life is not designed to impress you, but to impress upon you to live your life with dignity and respect and most of all, pursue your passions and live out your dreams.”