Catherine Thomas has spent more than three decades supporting Marines and military families. Over the years she has been dedicated to improving and strengthening the military community through spouse networks and Marine Corps Family Readiness programs. Additionally, she has supported Marine spouses and families through several deployments, including multiple combat deployments. Mrs. Thomas has worked professionally in the field of education and training. She has been both an elementary classroom teacher and instructional assistant. She also worked for Junior Achievement assisting in their financial literacy program for middle-schoolers. A graduate of Texas Tech University, she is married to Gen Gary Thomas, the current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. They have three adult children, two sons-in-law and five energetic grandchildren.