[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN TOM WIMBERLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2023

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of 
retired Navy veteran and fighter pilot Captain Tommy Charles Wimberly, 
who passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 92. For 31 years, 
Captain Wimberly dedicated his life to serving our country in the Navy 
as a fighter pilot, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of patriotism 
and duty.
  Captain Wimberly was born on November 16, 1930, in Coushatta, 
Louisiana. In 1951, he earned his degree from Northwestern State 
College of Louisiana and enlisted in the Navy. His college education 
allowed him to go to Officer Candidate School and earn a commission as 
Ensign, USNR. He went to flight training in Pensacola and received his 
Naval Aviator wings of gold in Kingsville. Tom flew 7 different 
aircrafts and operated off 10 different aircraft carriers.
  Throughout his 31-year career, Tom was held in extremely high regards 
to everyone who knew him. He was a decorated pilot, earning the Legion 
of Merit, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other awards 
for his extraordinary efforts. He served our country honorably in the 
Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Tom retired 
in July 1982 with the rank of Navy Captain and finished his active 
service in DynCorp, a diversified services contractor specializing in 
aircraft maintenance, in Corpus Christi.
  He stayed in Corpus Christi after retiring, living in the same house 
for the last 45 years. He was extremely active in many non-profit 
organizations and was a founding member of Landing Force 16, a group of 
businessmen who brought the USS Lexington to Corpus Christi in 1992.
  Captain Wimberly was highly decorated and dedicated his life to 
serving our country, and it is my honor to recognize his remarkable 
service and dedication to this country. His distinguished service 
record stands as a testament to his dedication to our country and the 
legacy he leaves. Our Nation is forever in the debt of his many years 
of service to our country.

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