
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas looks upon the formation as he accepts the position as 86th Airlift Wing commander June 19, 2015, on Ramstein. Thomas served 14 months as the commander before being re-assigned to a new role at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, poses for a photo in the cockpit of a C-130J Super Hercules during one of his “fini flights” July 21 on Ramstein. Thomas has accumulated over 3,900 hours of flight time in his career with 11 different aircraft.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, puts on firefighter gear with the help of an Airman from the 786th Civil Engineering Squadron Sept. 18, 2015, on Ramstein. Thomas took an immersion tour around Ramstein to learn about Airmen’s jobs and discover different functions around base.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, approaches his family as he gets hosed down with water during one of his “fini flights” July 20 on Ramstein. Fini flights have been a tradition for pilots that are changing bases since World War II. The pilots fly their assigned aircraft one last time and are greeted by Airmen, family and friends after landing.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron leaders cut a ribbon for the grand opening of dorm 2818 Feb. 5 on Kapaun. The new dorm was constructed to be more energy efficient to help cut costs and maintain a healthier environment for Airmen that will live there.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, talks to families arriving from Turkey about what agencies are available to assist during their transitions March 31 on Ramstein. Many Airmen and civilians came together to provide child care, transportation, medical assistance and essentials to families evacuating military bases in Turkey.

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, throws the ceremonial first pitch of the KMC’s baseball season April 23 on Ramstein. The event is a longstanding ritual of American baseball in which a guest of honor throws the first pitch to launch the new season.