[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING HANK THOMPSON'S SERVICE TO SUMNER COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
friend, Hank Thompson, who passed away July 6.
  As a County Commissioner, Mayor of Hendersonville and Sumner County 
Executive, Hank served the people of Sumner County for more than 25 
years.
  Hank always sought what was best for the people he represented. He 
was a very forward-thinking public servant and a good friend and 
adviser to me. I worked with him for many years and always admired his 
passion and love for his community.
  Following the devastating Gallatin tornado in 2006, Hank was the 
first person to contact me to get federal assistance for storm victims. 
He also led the local assistance effort, helping people put their lives 
back together and rebuild their communities.
  He was a tireless advocate for the people of Sumner County and his 
contributions to the families there are countless. Whether it was 
building bridges, expanding highways, creating greenways or building 
new baseball and soccer fields, Hank was always Sumner County's number 
one advocate. I spent many hours in his car, driving from community to 
community while he showed me projects he envisioned for the area.
  He served on the boards of numerous organizations, including Children 
Are People, Inc.; the Jason Foundation and Youth Inc. Hank was a member 
of the Homeland Security Region Executive Board, Regional Transit 
Authority Board, Tennessee Municipal League Board, Sumner County 
Resource Agency, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Hendersonville and Gallatin 
Chambers of Commerce, Civitan Club and Rotary Club.
  Hank served his state and nation as a first lieutenant in the 
Tennessee National Guard.
  Hank will be missed by his wife, Nancy, his children Nick, Lance and 
Amanda and his many friends in Sumner County and across Tennessee.

                          ____________________