[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to remember the life of 
Senator Craig Thomas.
  Senator Thomas passed away on June 4, 2007. On that day, the people 
of Wyoming lost a native son. His presence back home is still missed.
  One week from tomorrow will be the third anniversary of Craig's 
death. A column recognizing Craig's life and the Craig and Susan Thomas 
Foundation will be circulated across Wyoming next week. It reminds us 
of Craig's toughness, his love for Wyoming, and his commitment to 
challenging young people to succeed.
  It is an appropriate tribute to Senator Thomas. I ask unanimous 
consent that the column be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                  Craig Thomas--A Life's Work Goes On

                           (By Gale Geringer)

       It's hard to believe that June 4th marks the third 
     anniversary of Senator Craig Thomas' death in 2007.
       Craig's wisdom and dedication to Wyoming people is dearly 
     missed.
       The passion he had for making Wyoming an even better place 
     lives on strong when we need it most. In these economic 
     times, when some young people have an especially tough time 
     with financial or family issues, Craig Thomas' dedication to 
     our future is an example we need to remember.
       Craig was compassionate but it came with toughness. He 
     respected young people and so expected a lot of them. He 
     encouraged our youth to succeed and he approached that from 
     the standpoint of a Captain in the United States Marine 
     Corps. He taught personal responsibility and self reliance. 
     He believed in being on time and ready to learn or work.
       Craig motivated thousands of young people, urging them to 
     be the best they can be, whatever their circumstances. He 
     didn't come from money and didn't place a lot of value on 
     pedigrees. He believed each individual had it within him/
     herself to rise above hardships and become productive, 
     contributing members of society but he also recognized that 
     everyone learns at a different level.
       So for kids who might have fallen through the cracks, or 
     were in the middle or bottom of their class, what a welcome 
     inspiration they could find in Craig Thomas.
       The Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation is born directly from 
     that ethic and from the life-long experience and caring 
     counsel of his wife, Susan.
       The Foundation, now in its third year, continues to fulfill 
     a promise and helps young people try for that second, third, 
     even fourth chance at education and life fulfillment.
       With scholarships to Wyoming's community colleges, the 
     University, vocational and technical schools or online 
     education, the Craig and Susan Foundation is changing lives. 
     The Foundation believes that it doesn't matter where students 
     are from, what their grade point average was, or whether they 
     had excelled in something before. It matters that today they 
     want to try and know that someone cares.
       In addition to its other programs, the Foundation also 
     gives annual leadership awards to adults who work to support 
     at-risk youth in Wyoming, mentoring, educating or counseling 
     children to achieve their goals.
       One scholarship recipient, who is finishing his second year 
     in college, tells this story, ``My early years were spent in 
     various stages of poverty, abuse and neglect. I spent my teen 
     years in foster/legal guardian care situations. I am and will 
     remain drug free. I choose my circle of friends wisely. Now 
     I'm majoring in Business Management at LCCC where I am 
     getting good grades. It is very expensive and I need help. I 
     ask for your assistance in helping me to make the very best 
     of my life. College expenses are the greatest obstacle 
     between me, my education and my success as a self-reliant, 
     valuable member of my community.''
       To date, 53 scholarships have already been awarded, 
     including five to students who are older and have been able 
     to improve their job prospects because they've obtained 
     degrees or certificates.
       The idea is simple. Our children deserve an opportunity to 
     build happy and successful lives for themselves regardless of 
     power or place. And when and if they fail, we have a 
     responsibility to show them another way and offer them 
     another chance.
       Craig Thomas never thought he would grow up to be a United 
     States Senator. He was a humble kid from outside of Cody who 
     liked people and was willing to work hard at whatever he did. 
     He would have also told you that there were special people in 
     his life that pushed, prodded and, at times, literally willed 
     him to succeed.
       Not all of the students who are awarded a scholarship from 
     the Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation and receive mentoring 
     from Susan Thomas will become elected leaders some day. But 
     one thing is sure, they WILL build Wyoming's workforce and 
     they are inspiring assets to a better state--because they 
     pulled themselves up by their bootstraps . . . with a little 
     help.

                          ____________________