• Posted: November 11, 2021
• Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago and Cook County, Mark Thomas, Veterans Day

Every service member has their reasons for joining the United States military. Executive Vice President of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County (ECA) Mark Thomas, joined the Navy after college graduation for the opportunities.

“I was at a point in my life when I was figuring out what to do. The Navy presented some wonderful opportunities when I looked into it,” said Thomas.

To receive his commission as an officer in the Navy, Thomas was first accepted into Officer Candidate School, later completing the course in Newport, Rhode Island. He then continued his military education at Supply Corps Officer School before beginning his formal service in the Navy.

Over his five years in active service, Thomas saw parts of the world that he’d never seen before and was away more often than not.

“They didn’t tell me that it was going to be from the deck of a ship when they told me I’d get to see the world,” Thomas quipped. “I served on the USS Valley Forge. We were part of Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Somalia. We also saw the typical stops to resupply and refuel. I went to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, and Japan. Then all the gulf areas, Dubai, Abu Dhabi.” 

One time, Thomas didn’t see land for 75 consecutive days, let alone get off the ship.

“It was a life-changing experience and eye-opening. All those good things and a lot of tough things too.”

After leaving active duty he continued his military service as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. In this role, his main duty was to work with fleet hospitals, ensuring they had all they needed to serve sailors. This included making sure all the necessary supplies were there as well as things like haircuts, bank services, food supplies and more. 

Eventually, it became clear that balancing the demands of being an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves and, at the time, in leadership at the Wisconsin Chapter of NECA, was too much. 

“For me, if you’re going to do it, you have to be fully committed. At the time, I couldn’t commit fully to make it all happen,” said Thomas.

Though Thomas transitioned out of the Navy, his more than 10 years of military service taught him many things that extended to his career in the electrical construction industry. 

“In the military, young men and women are put in positions of extreme leadership. The principles of commitment, sacrifice, and the willingness to do things that you didn’t think you were capable of, all carried over seamlessly into my civilian career,” said Thomas.

His time in the Navy afforded him many learnings and career opportunities, it also instilled in him a deep sense of pride. 

“Being in the military was a wonderful experience and a true privilege. I got much more from the military than I ever gave, it set the stage for the rest of my life.”

Today, we thank Mark as well as all those who served and continue to serve in our nation’s Armed Services.