[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1039-E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING GENERAL GARY L. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor General Gary L. 
Thomas, United States Marine Corps, for the life of service he and his 
family have performed to our great nation. The theme of his 
distinguished career is one of achievement with highest honors 
throughout his 37 years in service to the United States of America.
  General Thomas was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1984 after 
graduating from the University of Texas-Austin. In his 37 years as a 
Marine, General Thomas deployed in support of military operations in 
Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Notably, his bravery and skillful 
command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 in the opening days of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom ensured the success of follow-on combat 
operations in the skies and on the ground. Additionally, his masterful 
leadership in combat while in command of Second Marine Aircraft Wing 
(Forward) in Afghanistan enabled coalition air forces to effectively 
provide fires, transport, and reconnaissance to

[[Page E1040]]

ground forces. In various higher headquarters staff positions, 
including his time as the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant for Programs 
and Resources, General Thomas had a lasting impact on the Nation's 
military readiness, enhancing our preparedness to face challenges 
around the globe. We are all safer due to his diligence and faithful 
dedication to duty.
  General Thomas' final tour in the Marine Corps is as the Assistant 
Commandant of the Marine Corps. During a tremendously challenging 
period for the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, and the Nation 
as a whole, General Thomas provided guidance and leadership with 
exceptional skill and drive. His broad knowledge base and expertise, 
his ability to foresee the impact of policy changes on the current 
readiness and future health of the Marine Corps, and his camaraderie 
and goodwill with senior leadership throughout the Department of 
Defense and U.S. Congress proved to be supremely valuable in his role 
as the Service Vice Chief. His sound judgment and recommendations 
reached the highest levels of leadership in the Legislative and 
Executive branches of the U.S. Government. General Thomas' steady 
leadership during these challenging times is just one more example of 
the type of Marine that he is--one of our very best.
  Over his years of faithful service, General Thomas has earned the 
Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze 
Star, among other awards.
  General Thomas has served our Nation for 37 years and will retire on 
October 15, 2021. His extraordinary professionalism has had a profound 
and lasting influence on generations of Marines and our entire 
institution. His leadership and mastery of the art and science of the 
profession of arms are in keeping with the highest traditions of the 
United States Marine Corps. I am delighted to have this opportunity to 
recognize not only General Thomas, but his entire family for their 
incredible service to the U.S. Marine Corps and our great Nation. Their 
sacrifice and dedication is truly remarkable, and a testament to the 
caliber of patriots our country produces. I wish him and his beloved 
wife, Catherine, all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their 
lives. God bless the Thomases, God bless the United States of America, 
and Semper Fidelis.

                          ____________________