[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL D. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael D. 
Thomas, who was killed on April 27, 2007 in Hirat Province, 
Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael was a 
sniper, a weapons sergeant and a combat medic assigned to the 1st 
Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and 
was killed when his unit came under rocket-propelled grenades and 
small-arms fire.
  I did not have the privilege of knowing Staff Sergeant Thomas 
personally but by all accounts he was a dedicated family man who was 
devoted to serving his country. He grew up in Seffner, Florida and 
joined the military police in 1991, serving in Somalia and in Korea. 
After already having served in the military police for 13 years and 
with only 3\1/2\ years until he could retire, he volunteered to be a 
Green Beret. At 34, Michael was one of the oldest in his unit which 
earned him the nickname ``Gramps.''
  Michael was a highly decorated soldier. His awards and commendations 
include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the 
Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean 
Defense Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
  Michael was an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan who visited the team's 
training camp whenever he could. I've been told that he decorated his 
Fort Bragg room with Buccaneer memorabilia, including signed footballs 
and helmets. He was also an accomplished guitarist who liked watching 
movies and going for long walks with his wife, Teresa.
  Madam Speaker, my heart aches for Michael's family. He leaves behind 
his wife, Teresa, his children, Diana and Craig, his sisters, Krista 
and Cassie, and his parents, Debbie and Robert Kirpatrick. May God 
bless the Thomas family and continue to watch over the country that 
Staff Sgt. Thomas so loved. We shall never forget him.

                          ____________________