From left to right Noah Thomas, Tarlton Thomas, Angel, and Kay Thomas McKinney.
Last week, while I was in Dayton, Ohio, I met the son, grandson, and widow of Capt. Leo Tarlton Thomas Jr. who was KIA on Dec. 19, 1971. You may recall I wrote about him in the chapter “Fast Friends.” Leo was in the famed Triple Nickel Squadron (555 TFS) and was the Aircraft Commander in an F-4 Phantom and his backseater Capt. Dan Poynor 523 TFS was also killed.
Shortly after completing my book, I got a surprise email through my website from a young man inquiring, “Did you know my dad?” It was Leo’s son, Tarlton! At the time, I couldn’t imagine how he found my website, but what I did realize was he was still looking for information about his dad after 40 years! I was overcome with emotion.
Now, after 10 years of getting that email, I finally got to meet him in person. It was a very warm and emotional meeting. After they heard my talk, we went to the Dublin Pub and drink a toast to Leo. Also joining us were Tarlton’s step brother Greg and his daughter Rachel. Leo’s spirit lives on!