U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has named Eufaula resident and U.S. Air Force veteran Larry Thomas as his June “Veteran of the Month,” highlighting not only his military service but also his role as a father, community leader and member of a family with a long tradition of serving the nation.
Tuberville said Thomas was influenced by the example set by his father, a World War I veteran, and his brother, a World War II veteran, before answering the call to serve himself.
“As the son of a WWI veteran and the brother of a WWII veteran, when the call to join arms came for Larry, he knew he had to do his part and join the Air Force,” Tuberville said.
Thomas came from a family with a long tradition of military service, following both his father and brother into uniform. He took time away from his studies at Auburn University to enter military service and spent four years at Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida during the early stages of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
According to Tuberville, Thomas supported flight operations during his service and was part of a squadron that earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its support of the first human orbit around Earth in 1962.
The senator’s video also highlighted Thomas’ life after military service. After leaving the Air Force, Thomas kept a promise to himself and his wife, Jean, and completed his college education, graduating from Troy University in 1969. He and Jean later returned to Eufaula, where they raised their three sons — Channing, Sean and Derek.
Thomas said the military helped shape the values he carried throughout his life.
“It taught me responsibility. It taught me order. It taught me discipline,” Thomas said in the video.
Tuberville said those lessons became part of the values Thomas passed along to his children.
“Whether it be discipline, decision making, keeping your word, working hard, or maintaining order, Larry’s time in the uniform was not confined to himself but a shared bond between all the Thomas boys,” Tuberville said.
Thomas later worked in textiles, sales and other fields before retiring in 2011. He has remained active in the Eufaula community through local civic and church involvement, including service connected to the Eufaula Housing Authority and St. James Episcopal Church.
Tuberville said Thomas’ impact extends well beyond his military service and career.
“He is truly a pillar of his community, but more importantly, of his family,” Tuberville said.
“In June, we celebrate Father’s Day,” Tuberville said. “We appreciate the fathers—like Larry—who have helped instill patriotism in the next generation. It is my honor to recognize Larry Thomas as the June ‘Veteran of the Month.’”
Alabama veterans may be nominated for Tuberville’s 2026 Veteran of the Month series by contacting the senator’s office.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
