[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF FRANK THOMPSON AND HIS SERVICE TO SPOKANE COUNTY VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2008

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Frank Thompson. On March 1, 2008, Mr. Thompson, Director of the Spokane 
County Veteran Services, retired from his post in Spokane County, after 
an honorable 32-year career in veterans' services. In a time when our 
country acknowledges how much we depend upon our soldiers, and 
accordingly understand what honor, respect, and responsibility is owed 
to them when they become veterans, Frank Thompson stands out as an 
example of what it means to truly dedicate oneself to these deserving 
men and women, to serve them in a meaningful way.
  Frank Thompson grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended West Virginia 
Wesleyan College, graduating with a B.A. in social studies in 1967. 
When he entered the Air Force 3 months later, he began a lifelong 
attachment to the military which would continue all the way up to 
today. He later went on to serve 4 years in the Strategic Air Command 
during the Vietnam War. Upon being discharged, he attended graduate 
school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Earning an M.A. in 
counseling in 1975, he also entered the Washington Air National Guard, 
joining the 105th Tactical Air Control Squadron. It is obvious, Mr. 
Speaker, that Frank Thompson's dedication to the United States and his 
willingness to serve in the armed forces can never be doubted.
  Frank began his service of three decades to American veterans on 
February 1, 1976, when he began working at the Spokane County Veteran 
Services as a Veterans Contact Representative. His reliability and 
talent shown through when, just 4 years later, he was appointed 
director in 1980. Mr. Speaker, he did all this while still serving in 
the Washington Air National Guard and did not retire from military 
service until December of 1991, having attained the rank of major. He 
continued his honorable work at the Spokane County Veteran Services 
until this past week.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Frank Thompson for his service to those who 
sacrificed so much for their country. I praise him as example to us all 
of what true responsibility to our veterans looks like. And I offer my 
best wishes for him and his family as they open this new chapter in 
their lives.

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