[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 81 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LOUIS C. THARP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2018

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my constituent, Louis C. 
Tharp of Upper Nyack, New York. Mr. Tharp recently finished a six-year 
term on the Army Education Advisory Committee, a committee governed by 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
  During his tenure on the Army Education Advisory Committee, Mr. Tharp 
worked on a number of important issues including women in combat, 
sexual assault and harassment, a facilitated soldier teaching plan, 
soldier talent management, Soldier 2020, an assessment of drill 
sergeant responsibilities, and second-and third-order effects of 
transgender integration.
  He was recommended for this Senior Executive Service position by 
former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy and the Victory 
Institute's Presidential Appointments Initiative. During his tenure at 
West Point, Mr. Tharp served as the first out gay coach and authored 
``Overachiever's Diary, How the Army Triathlon Team Became National 
Contenders.'' The proceeds from its sale benefited the team.
  Mr. Tharp served honorably in the Indiana National Guard. In 
addition, he has contributed to several organizations, including 
Knights Out, the West Point LGBT alumni association, and the Rockland 
County Anti-Bias Commission, which he chaired. He currently serves as 
Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Global Healthy Living 
Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives 
of people with chronic illness. Mr. Tharp and his husband, Jim 
Bumgardner, will celebrate 34 years together this fall.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in 
expressing thanks to Mr. Tharp for his service.

                          ____________________