[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 89 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF STAFF SERGEANT JESSE LAMAR 
                    THOMAS, JR., UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and 
deepest sympathy that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American 
soldier. Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Lamar Thomas, Jr. of Pensacola, 
Florida died on June 10, 2013, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while 
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SSG Thomas was assigned to 
the 66th Transportation Company, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th 
Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Kaiserslautern, 
Germany.
   SSG Thomas enlisted into the Army in October 17, 2003, and most 
recently served his country as a Human Resources Specialist, where he 
always fought for the resources and well-being of his fellow soldiers 
to ensure they had the tools required to accomplish the mission. SSG 
Thomas is remembered by his Company Command as a great mentor, a 
dedicated noncommissioned officer, and a true professional committed to 
a life of service to his fellow soldiers, to the United States Army, 
and to the United States of America. SSG Thomas is also remembered as a 
talented musician and a man with a deep dedication and love for his 
family and God.
   SSG Thomas lived to support and lift up those around him. He 
dedicated his life helping to ensure those who would do our Nation harm 
were defeated, while also working to secure the blessings of freedom 
for the Afghan people. We will never forget his service toward that 
honorable end. To SSG Thomas' loving wife Michelle; his children Jamie, 
Justin, and Jordan; mother, Irma Jean; his siblings, Sheldra, Geneen, 
Shandrea, and Darrin; his extended family and friends, my wife Vicki 
joins me in offering our most sincere condolences and prayers.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress and 
Nation, I stand here today to honor SSG Jesse Lamar Thomas, Jr. and all 
of the warriors we have lost. May God continue to bless them and the 
men and women of our United States Armed Forces.

                          ____________________