James Thomas:
CLASS OF 1965
John H. Francis Polytechnic High SchoolClass of 1965
Sun valley, CA
Cerritos High SchoolClass of 1983
Cerritos, CA
Valley CollegeClass of 1976
North hollywood, CA
James's Story
Life
Grew up SFV. Went to Poly High. Belonged to the Throttlers Car club. Played in various surf & rock bands until early 70's. Mainly travelled working with the Hollywood Surfaris. Now in sales for military, aircraft, and aerospace hardware.
Major hobbies are Bass Fishing (I'm done with the tournement trail. I fished competitively from 1981 to 1978. Lot's of wins but very little money. My other passion is playing guitar. No more bands.I just play for personal enjoyment.
Married now for almost 41 years. Two sons all grown up. Moved to Sparks, NV in 2002. I am close to the airport, which I need for intensive work related travel over the North West and Mid West.
Military
Basic at Ft Ord 1966, AIT & LPC at Ft Polk 1966, 5th BN 7Th Cav First Air Cav Viet Nam 1967-1968 RTO for A Co & Bn HHC returned to Ft Ord (CEDAC), Hunter Leggit & Camp Roberts...Sergeant
For about the past 0 years and have been fortunate to get in contact with former officers who I had worked for. One is a retired 4 star, another a 3 star, and last is a 2 star. As an RTO, I was wounded twice while working with these officers. Since 2003 I have contracted Agent Orange and am now having serious health issues. (Thank goodness for the VA.)
Nothing that can't be treated for time being but sadly, you don't cure it. You can only treat it. My best buddy in Vietnam ...Expand for more
was a medic who now lives in Spanaway, WA. His name is Bill Koutrouba. We called him Greek. He also has Agent Orange and it progressed to th point where he is day to day. Bil is also the second, orthird, most highlydecorated solder in the state of Washing. I Love the guy like a brother...
1/4/2013 Update.
The medic, Bill Koutrouba has passed. Very sad day for me. Bill had been awarded three silver stars, 6 bronze stars, and six purple hearts.The bravest man I have known and served with. My last aunt (Virginia) just passed at age 92. I am rapidly becoming the last of the Mohicans. I was forced into retirement last May. Present illness' will not allow me to travel anylonger. Currently 90% disabled through the VA, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Neuropothy in the feet, hearing loss, sleep disorder, along with a host of other ailments. Ugh!. For those I used to pal around with, I'm trying to get in touch with as many of you as I can. I attended a military reunion in San Antonio this past July. Also a great time visiting with the folks that mean so much to me. Several of my Vietnam buddy's are gone now, while others look like they might be close behind. For you soldiers out there, there is nothing like the brotherhood and bond of those you shared those combat experiences with. The First Cavalry..."We were soldiers", and always will be.
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