[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 77 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING GENERAL RICHARD H. THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 12, 2008

  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in order to honor a true 
American patriot who has devoted his entire adult life to the service 
of his country. Today, the Army is proud to dedicate the Automation 
Training Facility of the Army Quartermaster Center and School in the 
name of retired GEN Richard H. Thompson at Fort Lee, Virginia. General 
Thompson's career reflects 43 years of outstanding service to the Army 
and to the Nation. General Thompson is distinct in the quartermaster 
career field, as he is the only soldier in that career field to ascend 
from the rank of Private all the way to the rank of a full, four-star 
General.
  Upon completion of the Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course at Fort 
Lee in 1960, General Thompson served overseas before returning to the 
United States in 1961. He served multiple posts as a staff officer in 
the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics for the Army, 
eventually reaching the position of Deputy Chief. In 1984, he was 
promoted to General and given command of the U.S. Army Materiel 
Command, a post he held until his retirement in 1987.
  General Thompson is highly regarded as a pioneer in Army logistics. 
During the 1980s he helped modernize the Army's logistical operations. 
General Thompson is also credited with updating and improving the 
Army's logistics capabilities for the military's post-cold-war 
operations. This included his leadership in the expansion of newer 
automated equipment and techniques, and in the integration of those 
components throughout the joint services. He was inducted into the 
Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 1991.
  As the representative of the citizens of Virginia's 4th District--and 
home to Fort Lee--it gives me great pride to honor and thank General 
Thompson for his dedicated service to the United States of America. 
Please join me in congratulating him and Fort Lee on the dedication of 
the Automation Training Facility of the Army Quartermaster Center and 
School in his name.

                          ____________________