(Submitted May 17, 2000 13:00:22 by Tom Allen)I first encountered Clayton Thomas when I was a major new to analysis and the Pentagon. When my first project required travel to Griffis AFB to learn more about B-52 technology and operations, my team strongly encouraged me to invite the directorate's chief scientist along. They knew what I didn't: having Clayton as a part of the team not only ensured a first class reception from the visited organization, it also meant the team leader (the fledgling 0-4 analyst) would learn the equivalent of a college course's worth of applied analysis over the course of the trip. Clayton readily agreed to be part of our team. I assumed his twinkling eyes reflected his enthusiasm for getting into the field; only late did I realize he might also have recognized my earnest naivete--it never occurred to me that we'd get a much better reception having an SES along, vice the two majors and a captain that made up the original group. With Clayton's name on the visit request, the trip was approved in record time and, despite his instructions for no special treatment, we had the lab director and the wing commander as primary briefers on various technical and operational issues. Clayton's questions were not only always right on the mark, but they helped the rest of us learn how to gather data without alienating the source. Any success I've had in analysis since that first field trip with Clayton, I attribute to his mentorship. Hadn't heard the term before, but now that Gene mentions it, I'm proud to be included as one of the Thomas tots!
(Submitted May 13, 2000 13:14:59 by Lee Dick)
While I am looking forward to the 68th Symposium, it will have a solemn nature on two accords. First, will be the absence of Clayton Thomas. I don't recall attending a MORS function in which Clayton was not in attendance. Reflecting his closing Oral History remark, no one ever had more of a passion for operations research than Clayton. Secondly will be the retirement of Dick Wiles. We all hate to see him and Ginny go, but we do wish them our very best and a happy and long retirement.