[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING GENERAL GARY L. THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor General Gary L. 
Thomas, United States Marine Corps, for his service to our great nation 
and his family's faithful service, as well. The theme of his 
distinguished career is one of achievement with highest honors 
throughout his 37 years of unconditional 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 has 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 helped ensure 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 ground forces. In 
various higher headquarters staff positions, including his time as the 
Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. General 
Thomas significantly impacted the Nation's military readiness to face 
challenges around the globe. We are all safer due to his selflessness 
and dedication.
  General Thomas's 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's leadership 
during these challenging times is just one more example of the type of 
Marine that he is, one of the 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 37 outstanding years in support of our 
beloved Nation and will retire on October 15, 2021. His unmatched 
professionalism has had a profound and lasting influence on generations 
of Marines and our entire institution. I am delighted to have this 
opportunity to recognize not only General Thomas, but his entire family 
for their undeniably incredible service to the U.S. Marine Corps and 
our great Nation. Their sacrifice and dedication is truly remarkable. I 
wish him and his beloved wife, Catherine, well as they embark on a new 
chapter in their lives. God bless the Thomases, God bless the United 
States of America, and Semper Fidelis.

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