Paul Thomas
Originally from the east side of Cardiff, I enlisted in the Royal Air Force in 1983 aged 17. I served for 12 years as an Avionic Technician. I worked on Tornado, Hercules, Chinook and Puma aircraft as well as sidewinder missiles. I was stationed at various locations in the UK and West Germany during the Cold War, before Germany was reunified.
I left the RAF in 1998 and moved into civil aviation and worked all over the country on both civil and military aircraft. I also enlisted in the TA as a vehicle electrician serving with the REME at Ty Coch Way, Cwmbran for 3 years.
In 2004 I joined South Wales Police as a Police Constable, where I served mainly in Cardiff in roles such as CID, Response and Neighbourhood Policing, before retiring in February 2021.
In 2014, I also enlisted in The Royal Auxiliary Air Force as a ground Electrician with 614 Sqn based at Ty Llewellyn in Cardiff. I am still serving as a reservist alongside my current role as a Support Officer at Woody’s Lodge which I began in April 2021.
Outside of work, I am close to my family. My daughter is a Learning Difficulties Nurse with the NHS and my son is currently serving in the RAF. My wife is a support worker for women with learning difficulties.