[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 43 (Monday, March 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF TOM ALEXANDER

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 13, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge my friend and 
colleague Tom Alexander for his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to 
our country and the constituents of Virginia's 10th Congressional 
District. After decades of exemplary service, Tom has decided to enter 
into a well-deserved retirement.
  Fresh out of college, Tom had a desire to serve the United States and 
enlisted in the Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge in 
1979, Tom worked on President Reagan's White House staff where he 
received a White House Service Commendation from President Reagan on 
January 25, 1984. After leaving the White House, Tom graduated from the 
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and became an 
Assistant City Attorney for Kansas City, Missouri in 1987. In 1992, Tom 
decided to return to the federal government and began down a path which 
led him from the Department of Labor, to the Legislative and Executive 
Branches of government, and even served in the U.S. Embassies in 
Ukraine and Malawi.
  In 2014, Tom joined the office of my predecessor and mentor, 
Congressman Frank Wolf. His outstanding work made it clear that he 
would be an excellent member of my staff, and I am grateful that he 
agreed to join my office. His work with my constituents, particularly 
on immigration issues, has helped countless residents in Virginia's 
10th Congressional District. I regularly hear from constituents about 
the lengths to which Tom went to help them and solve their problems, 
whatever they may be. Tom is someone who keeps a smile on his face 
throughout the day and inspires us all with his constant positive 
attitude. Virginia's 10th District has benefited greatly from Tom's 
tireless work ethic, something that I hear often as I travel throughout 
our communities and meet with constituents.
  While I am sad to see Tom go, I am grateful for his service to our 
country and proud to call him a friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues rise and join me in 
thanking Tom Alexander for his service. I wish him, his wife Patricia, 
and his children Shane, Aidan, and Shannon all the happiness in the 
world, and the best of luck in the years to come.