[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING HELEN THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2010

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Helen 
Thompson on the occasion of her retirement from the United States Navy. 
Commander Thompson has bravely and selflessly served our country for 
over 25 years, and for her service our nation is forever grateful.
  Commander Thompson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1978 following 
graduation from high school. One of her first assignments was on the 
USS L Y Spear where she was among the first group of women to serve in 
the gray ship Navy. While with the ship company she supported the 
operation in the Middle East during the Iranian Hostage Situation in 
1980.
  After five years of active duty service, Commander Thompson joined 
the Naval Reserve and pursued her education. Commander Thompson 
graduated from Winona State University in 1989 and subsequently 
received a commission in the Medical Service Corps. Commander Thompson 
furthered her education by earning a graduate degree in Information 
Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and earned a 
certificate degree in the Department of Defense Chief Information 
Office Certification Program from the National Defense University. Her 
countless honors and awards include four Navy Commendation Medals, the 
Navy Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary 
Medal.
  In addition to protecting our nation's freedoms, Commander Thompson 
is a wife, mother and grandmother. I know her husband, Leslie Thompson, 
her children, David, Leslie Rae and Barbara, and her two grandchildren 
David Cole II and Haileigh, are proud of her service. Further, 
Commander Thompson's family continues the proud tradition of service to 
their country via her son, David Thompson, who is currently serving in 
Korea with the U.S. Army.
  In closing, I respectfully urge my colleagues to join me in saluting 
Commander Thompson for her distinguished service and outstanding 
commitment to our country.

                          ____________________