[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 110 (Monday, June 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. THOMAS H. RHODES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2020

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Mr. Thomas H. Rhodes as he celebrates his 100th birthday on June 
18th. Throughout his life, Mr. Rhodes has demonstrated exemplary 
patriotism through his service in World War II, and longstanding 
devotion to his family and community.
  During World War II, Mr. Rhodes proudly served his country as a U.S. 
Marine and participated in several major conflicts including the 
battles of Pearl Harbor, Midway, Peleliu, New Britain, and New Guinea. 
After the war, he returned to Central New York to continue his service 
at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York. Following completion of 
his military service, Mr. Rhodes was honorably discharged as a 
Sergeant. Today, he remains an active member of the Marine Corps 
League, an organization that aims to serve communities nationwide, 
preserve the traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps, and strengthen bonds 
between former servicemembers and their families.
  Outside of public service, Mr. Rhodes is known for his commitment to 
his family. He was devoted to his late wife, Bridget ``Peggy'' Rhodes, 
and remains a dedicated father to their four children, and proud 
grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Active in 
his community, Mr. Rhodes regularly appears in Fayetteville and Manlius 
parades and is a life-long member of the Catholic Church and the 
Knights of Columbus.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
recognizing Mr. Thomas H. Rhodes's 100th birthday. Mr. Rhodes's life 
has been one marked by admirable devotion to his family and country. I 
wish him health and happiness in the future.

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