Thayer is a retired Air Force civilian employee, having served almost thirty-four years at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. He has held several offices with The Air Force Association, including the positions of New York State President and National Vice President. He has also served as a Trustee and National Vice President with the Aerospace Education Foundation, and is past President of The Central Association For The Blind And Visually Impaired.

He lives in Westernville, N.Y. with his wife Eleanor. Copies of his book 'The Young Liberators' will be available for sale in the Society gift shop the night of his lecture.