[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CW4 THOMAS W. GERRISH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEB BRADLEY

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CW4 
Thomas Gerrish for his 27 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves.
  CW4 Gerrish was born and raised in a family with a long history of 
military service. His father and grandfather served in the Navy for 20 
and 30 years, respectively, and his two sons are both currently serving 
in the U.S. Army, with one presently on the ground in Iraq. It is 
evident that this strong commitment to serving one's country has made a 
profound impact on CW4 Gerrish's life and career path, and his own 
impressive record of military service reflects just that.
  CW4 Gerrish enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1977. CW4 Gerrish 
decided to enroll in flight school, where he received his aeronautical 
rating as a U.S. Army Aviator and promotion to Warrant Officer in 1982. 
He was deployed to Southeast Asia to participate in Operations Desert 
Shield and Desert Storm in 1989, and in 1992, he attended and graduated 
from the CH-47 Maintenance Manager's/Maintenance Test Pilot's Course. 
As an Aircraft Component Repair Platoon Leader, CW4 Gerrish was 
responsible for overseeing 23 soldiers, six allied shops and equipment 
valued at over $10 million. Later, he served as Maintenance Platoon 
Leader and his hard work was largely the motivating factor behind his 
company earning the best OR rating in the Battalion.
  Before retiring from military service, CW4 Gerrish coordinated 
aircraft maintenance prior to deployment for Operations Enduring and 
Iraqi Freedom. His last assignment was to serve as the Senior Warrant 
Officer to the Cargo Helicopter Project Manager's Office. During this 
assignment, CW4 Gerrish was responsible for fleet management and 
customer support for all CH-47 units and 461 H-47 helicopters. His 
leadership and technical abilities were instrumental in maintaining 
aircraft at the highest state of readiness and motivating and inspiring 
the soldiers under his command.
  During the course of his service, CW4 Gerrish has been awarded 24 
medals and honors, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. 
His long and varied career exemplifies his broad experience and growth. 
CW4 Gerrish has proven that hard work, dedication and a strong work 
ethic will achieve great things in one's career, and his impeccable 
record classifies him as a truly outstanding soldier. He has served his 
state and country valiantly and I know he will continue to do great 
things in his retirement. It is truly an honor to recognize his 
accomplishments today, and I thank him for his service.

                          ____________________