Kenneth Raymond Thompson

COLONEL KENNETH RAYMOND THOMPSON, USAF (RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Originally from Long Island, Kenneth Raymond Thompson earned a Congressional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the pioneer Class of 1959. Assigned to Cadet Squadron 6, he earned the enduring nickname "Thumper" among his classmates during his cadet years. He graduated with the historic first class in 1959, embarking on a distinguished 34-year career in the United States Air Force.

OPERATIONAL & COMBAT SERVICE

Following graduation, Colonel Thompson completed primary and basic pilot training from 1959 to 1960 at Moore Air Base and Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. He subsequently attended Helicopter School at Stead Air Force Base, Nevada (1960–1961), specializing in rotary-wing aviation.

His operational flying career began with the 9th Combat Support Group at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho (1961–1964). In 1963, he deployed to South Vietnam as a pilot with the 309th Troop Carrier Squadron. Returning to the United States, he served as an HU-1F helicopter pilot with the 821st Combat Support Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota (1964–1966).

Colonel Thompson returned to Southeast Asia in 1966 with the 606th Air Commando Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, flying operational missions during the Vietnam War. His second major tour in Southeast Asia occurred from 1971 to 1972, serving as an Air Operations Officer at Headquarters Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in Saigon.

STAFF, SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT & COMMAND LEADERSHIP

Between combat deployments, Colonel Thompson served as an Air Operations Officer at Headquarters 15th Air Force, March Air Force Base, California (1967–1970), and as Chief of the Mission Support Standardization Branch for the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base (1970–1971).

Recognizing his leadership potential, the Air Force selected him for advanced education. From 1972 to 1974, he attended the University of Colorado, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

He applied his business and technical background to key acquisition and executive roles:

• F-15 System Program Office (1974–1980): Served as Configuration Management Officer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, guiding the development and deployment of the F-15 Eagle fighter program.
• 40th Combat Support Group Commander (1980–1983): Served as Base Commander at Aviano Air Base, Italy, overseeing base operations and support for NATO forces.
• Air Force ROTC Leadership (1983–1986): Served as Professor of Aerospace Studies at Detachment 290, University of Kentucky, mentoring future Air Force officers.
• Chief of Staff, AFWAL (1986–1989): Concluded his active-duty service as Chief of Staff for the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories (AFWAL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy 1955–1959
Pilot Training Moore AB & Laredo AFB, TX 1959–1960
Helicopter School Stead AFB, NV 1960–1961
Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Colorado 1972–1974

MEDALS AND AWARDS

Legion of Merit 1
Bronze Star Medal 1
Meritorious Service Medal 3
Air Medal 2
Air Force Commendation Medal 2

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959–1960 Pilot Training Moore AB / Laredo AFB, TX
1960–1961 Helicopter School Stead AFB, NV
1961–1964 Helicopter Pilot 9th Combat Support Group, Mountain Home AFB, ID
1963 Pilot 309th Troop Carrier Squadron, South Vietnam
1964–1966 Helicopter Pilot (HU-1F) 821st Combat Support Group, Ellsworth AFB, SD
1966–1967 Helicopter Pilot 606th Air Commando Squadron, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand
1967–1970 Air Operations Officer HQ 15th Air Force, March AFB, CA
1970–1971 Chief, Mission Support Standardization Branch 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, SD
1971–1972 Air Operations Officer HQ Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), Saigon
1972–1974 Post-Graduate Student (MBA) University of Colorado
1974–1980 Configuration Management Officer F-15 System Program Office, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1980–1983 Base Commander 40th Combat Support Group, Aviano AB, Italy
1983–1986 Professor of Aerospace Studies Detachment 290, University of Kentucky
1986–1989 Chief of Staff Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories (AFWAL), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH