[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2187-E2188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF RITA THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rita 
Thompson upon her retirement from the House Armed Services Committee 
after 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to the United States 
Congress.
  Rita grew up in southwestern Virginia and before coming to work for 
Congress, she worked for the Department of the Army in the Pentagon for 
5\1/2\ years.
  Rita began her career on Capitol Hill in January 1974 with the House 
Armed Services

[[Page E2188]]

Committee. During her years on the committee she has worked on the 
Personnel Subcommittee, and directly with the General Counsel and the 
Staff Director. For the past 20 years she has held the position of 
Professional Staff Member and served as the committee's senior 
administrator, managing a multi million-dollar annual budget, and 
organizing Congressional travel, among many other duties. As a result 
of her position and responsibilities, Rita has regularly interacted not 
only with Members of Congress, but also with Senators, foreign 
dignitaries, and high ranking military officials.
  Rita's committee service has spanned six presidents, seven committee 
chairmen, and seven staff directors. I speak for myself, past chairmen 
and ranking minority members, and any and everyone who has had the 
privilege of working with Rita, in thanking her for her tireless work 
and dedication to the House Armed Services Committee.
  Rita's charm has always been a trademark of her personality. In a 
place where many people come and go, Rita has been a symbol of 
commitment and dedication from which many of us could learn. I 
congratulate her on her retirement and thank her for over three decades 
of honorable service to this Congress and her country. On behalf of the 
House Armed Services Committee and the United States Congress, I wish 
you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter of your life.

                          ____________________