[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING THOMAS GARY WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2024

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the U.S. Military Academy 
at West Point is not just one of our Nation's elite military 
institutions of higher learning, it is one of our national treasures. 
West Point counts many of our Nation's heroes, including generals, 
astronauts, and Presidents, as alumni.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I've had the privilege to nominate 
many of my constituents to our Nation's military academies. Today I 
honor one of them, Thomas Gary Ward, for being chosen as the President 
of his Senior Class at West Point.
  Thomas grew up in Jasper, Alabama where he graduated from Jasper High 
School. After first attending the University of Mississippi, Thomas 
decided that he wanted to attend West Point. I nominated him in 2019 
and he was accepted.
  During his time at West Point, Thomas has had the opportunity to 
pursue his passions in public policy, problem-solving, and leadership. 
In addition to serving as the President of the Class of 2024, he is 
also a leader on West Point's premier military skills team.
  Thomas works with government leaders to encourage and inspire young 
adults to help solve community issues. He also helps lead various 
outreach programs that teach high school and college students about the 
importance of character and ethics in leadership.
  Thomas is on schedule to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in 
political science and then be commissioned as an Infantry Officer. His 
first assignment will be with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, 
Colorado.
  The motto of the 4th Division is ``Steadfast and Loyal''--a calling 
and a creed to those who serve in this division, a combat-ready 
expeditionary force. From what I know of Thomas, ``steadfast and 
loyal'' seems a fitting motto for his life as well as his Division.
  Thomas is the son of Caroline Ivey and Tom Ward and grandson of Gary 
and Betty Ward and Elizabeth Rodgers.
  I want to congratulate Thomas on his many achievements. Not only is 
he serving our Nation as a member of our armed forces, but he is also 
educating a new generation of Americans about how to be the best 
versions of themselves so they too can serve their communities and our 
Nation. We all wish Thomas the best from a grateful Nation.

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