[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LOWELL THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation today to pay tribute to a selfless community servant and 
dedicated veteran from my district, Lowell Thompson of Trinidad, 
Colorado. As Commander of the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, Lowell tirelessly dedicates his time to his fellow veterans and 
the youth of his community.
  Lowell was drafted to fight in World War II prior to completing high 
school and served in Germany for two years. Thanks to a law recently 
passed by the State of Colorado, veterans who left high school early to 
serve their nation can now receive their diploma. Last year, alongside 
four of his fellow veterans, Lowell received his diploma in a ceremony 
at Rio Grande High School. Selflessly, Lowell chooses not to focus on 
his military service, but rather on his community.
  Lowell's VFW chapter works with local schools, promoting various 
competitions among all grade levels. Lowell loves spending his time 
with other veterans and often visits them in hospitals and nursing 
homes throughout Las Animas County. In addition to his service to the 
VFW, Lowell worked as a Sears Catalog Merchant for twenty-three years. 
Prior to his time with Sears, Lowell tried his hand at farming in the 
San Luis Valley. Today, when not attending to his duties with the VFW, 
Lowell spends his time with his family.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues here today in applauding the 
hard work of Lowell Thompson. I commend Lowell on receiving his diploma 
and on his many successful endeavors as Commander of his local VFW 
chapter. I wish him all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________