Brigadier General Thomas Edmonds

Brigadier General Thomas N. Edmonds was born on 4 February 1947. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1969 where he earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration. In 1975 he received a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He attended the Police Academy in 1981 and Jail Management and Operations, US Department of Justice in 1982. He completed the Air Command and Staff College in 1989. He completed Air War College in 1995 as an Outstanding Graduate.

General Edmonds was promoted to Brigadier General October 31, 2000. He retired as vice commander of the Michigan Air National Guard October 2, 2004.

He received his Commission as a Second Lieutenant in June of 1969 as a Distinguished Military Graduate of Army Reserve Officer's Training Corps. Western Michigan University. He served on active duty and reserve duty with the Army until June 1988 when he was appointed a Major in the Air National Guard. Since his appointment in the Air National Guard, General Edmonds has served as a flight commander, squadron commander, and group commander. He served on active duty in Germany and Vietnam.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon.

General Edmonds served 5 elected terms as Sheriff of Kalamazoo County. He retired from the Office of Sheriff on November 15, 2003 and joined the faculty of the Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University. He teaches courses in commercial and criminal law.

General Edmonds is a Past President of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and the National Guard Association of Michigan. He is a member of the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Fraternal Order of Police.

General Edmonds and his wife Nancy reside in Kalamazoo, Michigan.