[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MR. RAWLEIGH ``MIKE'' THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure 
that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Rawleigh ``Mike'' Thompson on the 
occasion of his 90th birthday.
  On September 12, 1920, Mr. Thompson was born in Hineston, Louisiana. 
He is the only son of four siblings.
  Oakhill High School recognizes Mr. Thompson as the first person to 
receive a diploma from their school and he proudly cites his position 
as Valedictorian. To attain this achievement, he overcame many 
obstacles, one of which was to walk and ride two different buses 
totaling 46 miles round trip each school day.
  Mr. Thompson married Bessie Lee Jones and they were blessed with 
seven children. Further blessings now include nine grandchildren and 
seven great-grandchildren.
  He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 serving in World War II. Upon his 
departure from the military he worked at a sawmill and then began his 
career at the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana. Mr. Thompson 
was employed at the VA for 29 years and remarkably never missed a day 
of work.
  As his family and friends prepare to join together to honor Mr. 
Thompson, he continues to exemplify a strong character of dedication, 
compassion and devotion.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Thompson on this 
truly significant birthday.

                          ____________________