[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE ON THE OCCASION OF MAJOR GERALD THOMAS' RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                       UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute 
to MAJ Gerald A. Thomas, U.S. Marine Corps, on the occasion of his 
retirement from active duty. Major Thomas has served our great Nation 
for more than 21 years, earning many decorations, among them the Bronze 
Star with Combat ``V''. I, and many other members of this chamber, have 
had the pleasure of working with him over the past 3 years that he has 
served as part of Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative 
Affairs and as the Deputy Director of the U.S.M.C. Liaison Office in 
the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Major Thomas distinguished himself through exceptional meritorious 
service while serving as the Deputy Director. Every day he served in 
direct support of not only the Marine Corps Office of Legislative 
Affairs but in direct support of every member of Congress, every Marine 
and every American. His keen abilities in organization, interpersonal 
relationships, and communication were extremely critical to the 
successful accomplishment of the Marine Corps Office of Legislative 
Affairs' mission. His achievements and ability to get the job done have 
been understated but always effective and noteworthy. While serving in 
the Liaison office, Major Thomas was able to develop and execute 
legislative strategy for the United States Marine Corps that was 
instrumental in creating a fiscal and policy landscape conducive to 
training and equipping the Nation's most elite fighting force, ensuring 
their success on the battlefield. He routinely turned broad guidance 
into action which energized the Office of Legislative Affairs and 
members of Congress alike. His actions allowed the Marine Corps to 
engage members of Congress and their staffs, directly facilitating the 
increased emphasis on improving Congressional relationships--a 
cornerstone of CMC's strategic vision.
  The Marine Corps House of Representatives Liaison Office that Major 
Thomas leaves behind is functional and responsive, highly integrated, 
and favors a proactive legislative strategy. While leading the House 
Liaison Office through the extraordinary challenges associated with 
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing 
Global War on Terror, he concurrently ensured that a myriad of daily 
Congressional communications, taskings and events were executed 
flawlessly. The leadership and direction that Major Thomas provided was 
instrumental to the Marine Corps' tremendous success during a period of 
extraordinarily high operational tempo and unprecedented Congressional 
interest in Marine Corps activities. During Major Thomas' two years as 
the Deputy Director, he accomplished the full spectrum of the Marine 
Corps' legislative mission.
  Members and staffers alike respected and trusted Major Thomas' 
straightforward and dependable assistance. He exemplified the candor 
and knowledge that we have come to expect from the Marine Corps and he 
played a key role in maintaining superb relationships between the 
Marine Corps and the House of Representatives.
  Throughout his tour, Major Thomas effectively responded to several 
thousand congressional inquiries, many of which gained national level 
attention. He demonstrated a unique ability to translate the language 
of the House of Representatives to the language of the Marine Corps and 
vice versa, enabling him to provide us with a clear sense of what the 
Marine Corps could accomplish. Because of the Major, Members of 
Congress were able to establish lasting professional relationships with 
senior members of the Marine Corps that didn't exist prior to his 
arrival. During his time on Capitol Hill, Major Thomas successfully 
planned, coordinated and escorted over 50 international and domestic 
Congressional and Staff Delegations. His detailed coordination with 
foreign government officials, U.S. State Department, and senior 
military officials ensured that each delegation was conducted 
professionally. His attention to detail and anticipation of 
requirements allowed Representatives to focus on fact-finding and 
gleaning new insights that informed critical decisions to support the 
people of the United States. With more than 15 delegations to Central 
Command Major Thomas assisted in educating

[[Page E204]]

Members of Congress on the successes and challenges facing our service 
men and women that could only be gained from first-hand observation and 
face-to-face interaction. Due to his professionalism, dedication and 
keen knowledge, Major Thomas became the most sought after military 
escort for delegations traveling into Central Command. The time he has 
spent supporting Members of the House has been truly noteworthy. He has 
made lasting contributions to the House of Representatives.
  Major Thomas has also made a lasting contribution in the sustainment 
of today's readiness and the shape of tomorrow's Marine Corps. Maj 
Thomas' distinguished service has left a mark of true excellence that 
will last long after he has departed the Office of Legislative Affairs. 
The Marine Corps will miss him, but Major Thomas leaves a tremendous 
legacy for others to follow and emulate. I wish Major Gerald Thomas 
congratulations and all best wishes as he enters this new chapter of 
his life.
  During his 21 years of service, Maj Thomas has served as:
  Communications Marine--Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune;
  Student--Marine Corps Education Program--University of Arizona;
  Platoon Commander--Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;
  Platoon Commander--Weapons Platoon, Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th 
Marines;
  Executive Officer--Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;
  Staff Platoon Commander--The Basic School;
  Executive Officer--Alpha, Charlie, & Echo Companies;
  The Basic School Instructor--Infantry Officer Course;
  Student--Infantry Officers Captain's Career Course;
  Company Commander--Lima Co, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines;
  Congressional Fellow--Office of Rep. Sanford Bishop;
  Joint Action Officer--Plans, Policies, and Operations Department, 
HQMC;
  Deputy Director--Marine Corps House Liaison Office.

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