Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Thomson Jr.
Command Sergeant Major of the Aviation Branch
Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Thomson, Jr. joined the United States Army from Portland, Maine as a CH-47 helicopter repairman (15U) in May 1987. He attended basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., and advanced individual training at Fort Eustis, Va.
Thomson's assignments include H-159th Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, Ky.; 2-501st Aviation Regiment, Camp Humphreys, Korea; E-502d Aviation Regiment, Aviano Italy; 8-101st Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, Ky.; New England Recruiting Battalion, Topsham, Maine; B-214th Aviation Regiment, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; 601st Aviation Support Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan., and Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomson has held several duty positions to include mechanic, flight engineer, flight engineer instructor, technical inspector, production control NCO, and detailed recruiter. He has also held every leadership position from squad leader to command sergeant major. Thomson is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn, Iraq.
Thomson has attended every level of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System and is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 56. He holds a Baccalaureate Degree in History from the University of Maryland. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomson's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; NATO Medal; Recruiter Gold Badge; Master Aircraft Crewmember Badge; Air Assault Badge; and the Silver Order of Saint Michael Award.
