Thompson would go on to spend eight years in the service, serving in many missions including a deployment to Operation Desert Storm from August 1990 to February 1991.

After his service, Thompson went on to complete a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV) with an emphasis in Metallurgy.

Thompson joined the United States Air Force in 1987 on delayed enlistment, and left for Basic Training in San Antonio, TX in March 1988.

While in Basic Training, he received his Armed Force Specialty Code (AFSC) as a 462XO (Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist).

Upon graduation from training, he received orders to RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England, joining the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Thompson spent 3 years at RAF Upper Heyford, and was deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Thompson received orders in June 1991 to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV where he joined the 57th Wing, 57th Aircraft Generation Squadron.

His campaign focused on finding efficiencies in how the Commission runs day-to-day operations, secure pay raises for employees, fill vacant positions, and ensure reliability and resiliency in Arizona's energy grid.

Thompson and fellow Republican Nick Myers won the Primary as the top vote getters, and went on to win the general election in November.