Michael C. Thompson Explained

Michael C. Thompson
Office:21st Adjutant General of Oklahoma
Governor:Mary Fallin
Kevin Stitt
Term Start:November 15, 2017
Term End:November 10, 2021
Predecessor:Robbie Asher
Successor:Thomas Mancino
Occupation:State Trooper
Spouse:Deborah
Children:Brandon and Jared
Office2:Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Term Start2:2011
Term End2:2017
Governor2:Mary Fallin
Predecessor2:Kevin Ward
Successor2:Rusty Rhoades
Allegiance: United States
Branch:Oklahoma Army National Guard
Rank:Major General
Serviceyears:1983–2022

Michael C. Thompson is a retired United States General Officer and Oklahoma Army National Guard member who served as the 21st Adjutant General of Oklahoma from 2017 to 2021.[1] He was a Major General in the United States Army National Guard [2] and was a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet.

Thompson previously served concurrently as the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security and the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. In his capacity as Public Safety Commissioner, Thompson also was in charge of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. As Safety and Security secretary, he was a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet and was responsible for directing all state public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies.[3]

Promotions

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Promotions! Insignia !! Rank !! Date
Commissioner2011
Captain/Major2003
1st Lieutenant2000
2nd Lieutenant1995
Trooper1990

Biography

Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Langston University, and a Master of Science from Oklahoma State University. Thompson is a graduate of the resident Army War College, where he earned a second graduate degree, a Master of Strategic Studies. Thompson has been accepted in, and has completed course work towards a doctorate degree at Oklahoma State University. Thompson is a graduate of the 208th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va for senior law enforcement officials. Thompson also is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager’s Program offered by Oklahoma’s office of Personnel Management, a member of Leadership Oklahoma class XXVI and most recently has been recognized as a Henry Toll Fellow through the Council of State Government.

Thompson graduated from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's 45th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy in 1990. He served 22 years with the Patrol, eventually rising to the rank of major. While serving as a patrol major, Thompson was appointed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin as Cabinet Secretary and DPS Commissioner in February 2011.[4]

Thompson began his military career when he enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard on December 13, 1983 in Oklahoma City. Thompson received his commission in 1986 through Officer Candidate School as an infantry second lieutenant. Thompson is currently assigned as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Thompson’s notable previous assignments include:

Thompson’s awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 2012, Thompson joined the prestigious ranks as a Council of State Governments' Henry Toll Fellow honoree.

Personal life

Thompson lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, with his wife, Deborah Thompson. The Thompsons have two sons. Their oldest, Brandon Thompson, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a captain in the United States Army. Their youngest son, 1st Lieutenant Jared Thompson, is a helicopter pilot with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Lieutenant Jared Thompson is also an Iraqi and Afghan combat veteran.

Notes and References

  1. News: Governor names Adjutant General. October 19, 2017. NormanTranscript.com. April 16, 2018.
  2. Web site: PN532 — Army. Congress.gov. 22 June 2017. April 16, 2018.
  3. Web site: Gov.-elect Fallin names Michael Thompson as DPS commissioner nominee . https://web.archive.org/web/20121102192220/http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20101221_16_A13_CUTLIN178224 . dead . November 2, 2012 . Tulsa World . December 21, 2010 . November 19, 2013 . Hoberock, Barbara.
  4. https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/filelog/87580.pdf Appoint Order by Governor Fallin Appoint Thompson as Commissioner