Thompson broke new ground for people of color as a dentist and longtime officer in the U.S. Air Force. Thompson was a leader in Central ROTC programs before going on to graduate from Creighton University and its dental school. He became the first African-American to graduate at the top of a dental class there. He then embarked on a 26-year Air Force career. During the Vietnam War, he provided dental care and facial surgery for servicemen from a base in Thailand. He climbed the officer ranks to “full bird” colonel and became just the third Air Force dentist to be accepted into the Air War College. He then served as assistant medical director and dental director at numerous bases and helped oversee and inspect Air Force dental and medical facilities throughout the world. His military commendations included a Bronze Star, Silver Star, Meritorious Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
Michael passed away in 2005 at the age of 68.