[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 55 (Thursday, March 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO GRANT AINSWORTH THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor Grant 
Ainsworth Thompson who has recently left the world of politics to 
follow his calling in the Church. Grant served as my Communications 
Director for the last 5 years. Prior to that, he worked as a 
Legislative Assistant in my office focusing on Veterans Affairs and 
Postal issues.
  Grant Ainsworth Thompson was born June 9, 1962 here in Washington, DC 
and was educated in the DC public school system. After graduating from 
Cardozo High School in 1981, he spent a number of years working in the 
private sector as both a substance abuse counselor and for United 
Airlines. He then chose to pursue a higher education and attended the 
University of the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1995, majoring in 
Mass Media and Television Production. Grant has been happily married to 
Margaret for 22 years and is the father of 2 sons: Justin, 21 and 
Jeremy, 17.
  Grant used his skills in communications and management to help me 
better serve the people of Alaska. He was a driving force behind my 
office's expansion into cutting edge media and always seemed to know 
what the ``next big thing'' would be. His positive personality and 
confidential counsel were invaluable to me and my staff; he will be 
sorely missed.
  Grant was an integral part of my office for many years and it deeply 
saddens me to see him leave. We often joked that he was my ``brother,'' 
as we share the same birthday. I wish him all the best as he begins a 
new chapter in his life. Grant is now going to continue the work he 
started as Pastor and Founder of the Church of the Rock Praise Factory, 
located in Washington, DC. He will continue to be involved in many 
community outreach programs over the coming years, spreading the word 
of the Lord, and helping those in need. Grant Ainsworth Thompson is a 
truly great American, with a heart the size of Alaska.

                          ____________________