Michael Thomason
Private First Class, United States Army
August 23, 1990 – April 29, 2019
Age – 28
Lincoln Park, MI
Operation Inherent Resolve
2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY
Died of a non-combat incident in Syria where three soldiers had charges filed against them for their part in his death
Three soldiers have been charged in the accidental death of PFC Michael Thomason who died while deployed to Syria in 2019. The charges include involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and dereliction of duty.
Mikey was born on August 23, 1990 in Dearborn, MI to Jesse Sr. & Donnetta Thomason. He attended Southwestern High School and received his Diploma and G.E.D.. Mikey’s Hometown was Detroit, MI, although he lived in Lincoln Park, MI prior to joining the army. Mikey will always be missed. He was definitely a one of a kind type of person. He loved his family and friends above all else. Mikey was known as a goofball, always pulling pranks, making jokes, and just making everyone laugh. He had a big heart, when he loved something or someone, he would do anything for them. If someone was being bullied or picked on, he would be there by your side and would have your back no matter what. Mikey enjoyed life and all of its adventures. He loved his children and would do anything to see them smile, do anything to see them happy and to make sure they knew how much he loved them. He used to love everything to do with MMA and would never turn down the chance to watch a UFC Championship fight with family and friends. Mikey was the type of person who could light up even the darkest of rooms. He was the life of the party and would always make new friends no matter where he was.
When Mikey joined the Army, he didn’t do it for the recognition, he just want to make a difference, protect his family, and serve his country. Mikey was fighting to be a better man, for his children, someone they could look up to, someone that they would be proud to call their dad. Although Mikey’s life was cut short, he had already achieved so much. He had touched so many lives and left an imprint on all our hearts. Mikey was proud to serve his country, he will forever and always have a special place in our hearts. He will live on through his children and through our memories.
Last thing, the family would like to give recognition to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carl Hignite and Major Jacob Clark for all their help and support during this difficult time. They went above and beyond to make sure Mikey was honored in the way he deserved.
“The entire Bastogne brigade is heartbroken over Michael’s loss,” said Col. Derek Thomson, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team.
“He lived a warrior’s life, and he died in the service of his country. Michael’s memory will live on as part of the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division, as will our commitment to his family and to our mission,” the brigade commander said.
Thomason’s deployment to Syria was his first, O’Donnell added.
His awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, one of which has a “C” device for combat, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
Thomason was promoted to the rank of private first class in December 2018.