[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF THOMAS ``TOMMY'' GILLILLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2023

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
honor the legacy of career public servant Thomas ``Tommy'' Gillilland.
  Mr. Gillilland was born in Bladen, Nebraska in 1932 and spent his 
childhood in Glenwood, Iowa. As a young man, he attended the University 
of Iowa and Wentworth Military Academy, before receiving both his 
undergraduate degree and a master's degree in International Relations 
from American University. A proud American patriot, Mr. Gillilland 
served his country as a commissioned officer in both the Army Reserves 
and the Iowa National Guard.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Gillilland demonstrated an unwavering 
commitment to serving others. As a young professional entering the work 
force, he and his wife Cory chose to move to Micronesia and spent 
several years working with the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 
in the pursuit of self-governance. Following his work abroad, Mr. 
Gillilland returned to the United States and began working for the 
federal government in Washington, D.C. He spent time at the Department 
of State, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of 
Treasury, becoming a well-regarded expert in the congressional 
legislative process.
  Upon his retirement from the public sector, Mr. Gillilland and his 
wife fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened an art gallery in Saint 
Augustine, Florida, before settling in Willsboro, New York. He 
continued his public service as the Chairman of the Willsboro Zoning 
Board of Appeals and a member of the WiIIsboro and Essex County 
Republican Committees.
  Mr. Gillilland was a passionate musician, known as a vocalist for his 
beautiful low range. He sang in multiple church choirs and was an 
active member in the American Association of Barbershop Singing in 
America. However, nothing was more important to Mr. Gillilland than the 
success and happiness of his wife, their 3 children, and 7 
grandchildren.
  On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize Mr. 
Thomas ``Tommy'' Gillilland as an extraordinary public servant, 
patriot, and staple of his community.

                          ____________________