I didn't realize the next time we would see each other would be at the alter. We were just engaged, when in November 1986, Ray Thombs, took his oath as he enlisted in the Air Force. He went through boot camp and Tech School, all the while writing letters and a quick two-minute call once in awhile was all we had.

Ray’s training was in power and communication. His first assignment was at McGuire Air Force Base with the 1998th Combat Communications Squadron. Little did I know as his wife what that meant. Active duty military life was so different than what I could have imagined. Ray was on deployment quite often. To where? Unknown. For how long? Unknown. His job was to establish power and communication in the field, going ahead of his team to set up the infrastructure necessary for the mission’s success. 

Ray has carried his oath to love and serve his country since he enlisted, and he still carries that commitment. He stands against enemies, both foreign and domestic, and stands for our Constitution and freedoms. 

Let Ray go ahead of us to represent us in Augusta. Let him be our voice, setting up the communication and power needed to complete the mission for Maine to thrive once again! 

Tracey Thombs lives in Union