[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT THOMAS D. GORDY, JR.--SCOTTSDALE 
              HEALTHCARE'S ``SALUTE TO MILITARY'' HONOREE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the 
Armed Forces from my home State of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale 
Healthcare recognizes service members who perform diligent service to 
our country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Staff Sergeant (SSgt) 
Thomas D. Gordy, Jr. for the month of December.
  I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to this 
outstanding service member for his commitment, dedication, and service 
to our country.
  SSgt Gordy joined the United States Air Force out of high school in 
1968. He served our Nation for four years as a Physiological Training 
Specialist and was responsible to ensure the readiness of pilots in all 
services for the rigors of combat aviation. This specialty requires 
spending many hours in a high altitude chamber to train and monitor 
flight crews while exposing them to the dangerous conditions of hypoxia 
and the potential for decompression sickness. By educating pilots and 
crews on their individual vulnerabilities to these life threatening 
conditions, SSgt Gordy was instrumental in creating medically ready and 
trained individuals to engage in the U.S. conflict in Vietnam.
  Additionally, SSgt Gordy was trained to treat aviation related 
medical issues that arise from the demanding effects of military 
flight. He has logged over eighty hours in hyperbaric chambers 
assisting our wounded warriors and helping them in their return to 
duty. SSgt Gordy's awards include the National Defense Service Medal 
and an Outstanding Unit Award.
  SSgt Gordy has been a Scottsdale Healthcare employee for six years, 
working in the Emergency Department at the Osborn Campus where he has 
filled positions as a staff nurse, clinical educator, and currently the 
department manager.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this outstanding Soldier 
for serving our country.

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