[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO COL. RAY THOMPSON

                                 ______


                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
friend and an outstanding citizen of Ohio. Col. Ray Thompson has been 
an integral part of the 5th District service academy selection process 
since October 1982. Since 1989, Colonel Thompson has served on my 
academy advisory board. During this time, I have grown to know and 
respect his integrity and dedication to our country.
  Col. Raymond Thompson was born in Salley, SC. He attended public 
schools in Aiken County, and graduated from A.L. Corbett High School in 
Wagner, SC. In May 1961, he graduated from South Carolina State 
College, Orangeburg, SC. He was a distinguished graduate and was 
commissioned a 2d lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
  From the beginning of his military career, Ray Thompson has set high 
standards for himself. His record of service, which has entered its 
fourth decade, is characterized by self-discipline, self-motivation, 
and mission accomplishment. He has received numerous awards, including 
the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation 
Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Service 
Medal with four bronze stars.
  Ray Thompson continues to serve our country today, supporting the 
mission of the U.S. Military Academy in providing leaders of character 
to the Nation. Ray has committed literally hundreds of hours of time 
crisscrossing countless miles of northwest Ohio seeking out the best 
and brightest of Ohio's young people.
  Ray's message is simple: If you want to serve your country, if you 
have the physical and intellectual ability, and if you have the desire 
to push yourself to the limits of your ability and then push some more, 
I can show you the way to the challenge you are looking for--the U.S. 
Military Academy.
  Mr. Speaker, Ray Thompson is without question an American patriot 
willing to make a difference. Colonel Thompson and his wife, Ireesa, 
live in Lakeside, OH. They have a daughter, Melva; a son, Douglas; and 
a grandson, Christopher. The Thompson family is actively involved in 
the Lakeside community and is a member of the Lakeside United Methodist 
Church. He is a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of northwest 
Ohio. He is also an avid runner, cyclist, and sports car enthusiast.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying a special tribute to Ray 
Thompson's record of personal accomplishments and wishing him all the 
best in the future.

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