[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
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 15, 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, NC, 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, FL, 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, his brother, Jaye, his granddaughter, Alexis, and his 
parents, Debbie and Robert Kirkpatrick. May God bless the Thomas family 
and continue to watch over the country that Staff Sergeant Thomas so 
loved. We shall never forget him.

                          ____________________