[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 211 (Monday, December 14, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Tribute to Thomas Wilson

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, this evening I want to take just a moment, 
in front of my colleagues, to recognize the contributions of a member 
of my staff: Thomas Wilson. Mr. Wilson has spent the last year working 
in our personal office as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Congressional Fellowship Program.
  As Thomas departs my office and returns to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, I want to express my appreciation to him for his hard work and 
the dedication to serve veterans in Kansas and across the Nation. 
Thomas has served at the VA for more than 18 years. His selfless 
approach to service has helped countless veterans receive the care and 
support that they have earned. He has surely been an asset to my team 
as we work to serve Kansans, servicemembers, and veterans.
  Before joining our office, Thomas served as the legislative director 
to Congressman Harold Baker, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs 
Committee. He served on the Bush transition team after leaving 
congressional service and then went on to serve in numerous roles at 
the VA. These included roles as a congressional liaison for the VA and, 
most recently, in the Veterans Experience Office.
  He is a graduate of the National Defense University and has used his 
experience to benefit those who serve our Nation in uniform.
  Thomas is fortunate to have his loving wife Ashley and son Chase by 
his side. They undoubtedly contribute to Thomas's altruistic nature, 
and he is blessed to have their support.
  Thomas joined my office in January 2019, just as I was assuming the 
gavel of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. His experience 
navigating the VA proved immensely helpful to my personal and committee 
staffs as we set off to advocate for veterans from all walks of life.
  He was especially helpful in advocating for women veterans. Thomas 
led the effort to study the employment rates of post-9/11 female 
veterans, a cohort of veterans that experiences higher unemployment 
rates, more than any other demographic.
  His efforts will lead to policies to support female veterans and to 
make certain that they have the tools necessary to succeed after their 
service to our Nation.
  It is sad to see Thomas leave the office, but I know that his return 
to the Veterans Experience Office next month will produce lasting 
results for the many veterans who regularly interact with the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Thomas is an impressive public servant, and it has been a privilege 
to work with him. I hold him in the highest regard. He is a significant 
asset to our veterans and represents some of the best that our Federal 
Government has to offer.
  Once again, thank you, Thomas, for all you have done for Kansans and 
for American veterans this year in association with us and our work. 
You have been a model of selfless service and leadership, and I know 
you will continue to do great things throughout your career and your 
life of service, wherever that path may lead.