In 1972, Thomas, along with several other flutists, founded the
National Flute Association in
Anaheim, California. In 2005, Thomas received the National Flute Association's Distinguished Service Award for his work in founding and helping it develop into an international organization. Thomas has performed at the
White House for four presidents and has served on the faculty of
American University, the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the
University of Notre Dame, and
George Washington University. == Personal life ==