Commander Dennis Thompson was born the same year Post 137 was created, 1946, as a fine son of the State of Mississippi. His military career started early by virtue of his being a “Navy Brat” with movements across the entire United States, including being stationed in far away places such as Hawaii and American Samoa. Education came early and was varied by virtue of the many moves of his family, with attendance at a total of 16 schools, before graduating from Baldwin High School on Jacksonville’s Westside.

The Commander began his railroad career with the SAL Railroad in 1965, which was interrupted by the Selective Service that same year. Upon entry into the United States Army he received basic training at Ft. Gordon, AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood and was eventually assigned to the 86th Combat Engineering Battalion at Ft. Dix. This unit was eventually sent to the Republic of South Vietnam in late 1966. Pfc. Thompson served a one year tour mainly in what was known as the III Corps Area, returning to stateside in late 1967 and was honorably discharged, having attained the rank of Spec.5 with his occupation specialty (MOS) being that of a Combat Demolitions Specialist.

Dennis returned to his civilian occupation with the railroad and held many jobs including the position of Yardmaster, from which he retired with CSX Railroad in early 2006, with a combined total service of approximately 40 years. He is married to the former Joan Ruby, of Bromley England and is the proud Father of son’s Dennis and stepson Scott. The Commander and his wife Joanie are the proud Grandparents of Carson and Mandy. The Commander and his wife reside on the “Westside- the- Bestside” of Jacksonville.

The Commander was quoted as saying “It has been my pleasure to be the Commander of Lakeshore Post 137 and I consider this to have been one of my most pleasant experiences down the road of life”.

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