Thompson unwinding at home on the farm “That’s what we do. Our men and
women out here save lives everyday, they just don’t see it. It’s not like when an officer comes upon an accident and performs CPR or delivers a child on the interstate. The unsafe vehicles they get off the roadway save lives, too.”
WHAT’S NEXT Though it’s been an incredibly busy
year, Thompson says he will miss his time as CVSA president. While many out-going presidents say they’re glad it’s over, Thompson is not—though he says he understands now why previous presidents have made that statement. The schedule of the last year has been a long one, many days spent working for the Highway Police followed by hours of work for the CVSA, in addition to a significant amount of travel. “It’s
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2016
been an honor, it’s been a learning experience, and it’s been something that I have truly, truly enjoyed, so I’m not glad it’s over. But, transitioning from the president to a past president, the schedule will certainly not be as busy. I’ll just simply be sitting by the phone when the new president has a question or needs some help or needs his memory refreshed. I’ll still attend the executive board meetings four times a year. I’ll be more of a tree to lean on. Maybe I am looking forward to that a little bit, but I’m not happy it’s over. Wouldn’t have bothered me if it would have continued.” Thompson has a long career still
ahead, but the coming year will be a marked change from juggling his primary responsibility of major in the Arkansas Highway Police and his time-consuming—
if enjoyable—secondary role in leadership of the CVSA. But, Thompson is looking forward to having a bit more free time. “I enjoy being on the farm and hanging with friends and family. Over the high school years, we pretty much spent our time following the kids, whether it was playing sports, cheerleading, whatever. My daughter’s in nursing school and my son’s a senior in high school, so I don’t know what the heck I’m going to do when they’re gone. I mean, life’s really revolved around our kids for the last twenty years. If it was up to me, my kids would just stay at the house.” With a smile and a pleased chuckle,
Thompson adds, “[We’ve] got a grand- baby now. She’ll be two in October, so that’s the newest star in my life. She certainly has Papa’s heart. Maybe that’s what I got to look forward to.” ATR
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