Episode 11: Bill Thomas; A Veteran’s Journey Through Alaska, War, And Public Service
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A life can hold multitudes, and Bill Thomas’ story proves it. Born and raised in Haines with deep Tlingit roots, Bill carries us from Main Street memories and Chilkat dancers to the hot ramp at Bien Hoa, where a young crew chief learned to keep planes—and people—alive. He talks about flying VIP missions in U-21s, the daily reality of fear, the rare medal signed by General Creighton Abrams, and the strange return home through welded bus doors and jeering crowds. You’ll hear the humor too: mess hall standoffs, a monkey fed on grasshoppers, and the long-running code of “never…
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