[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT GARY THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary Thompson of 
Cooper, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. 
Gary has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and 
country.
  Growing up in Lake Creek, Texas, Gary studied at the Delmar Schools 
and graduated from Cooper High School in 1967. He then attended East 
Texas State University and earned a degree in History and P.E. in 1983. 
Gary joined the US Navy in 1971 and served our country for over 20 
years before retiring in 1995 as an E6 Petty Officer Crew Chief on a 
DC-9. Throughout his time in the Navy, Gary was stationed at NAS 
Memphis, where he was trained for 3 months, stationed at NAS Miramar in 
Vietnam for three and a half years and stationed at NAS Dallas during 
Desert Storm for three months. He continued his public service in law 
enforcement, serving as a Delta County Constable and Sheriff's office 
Investigator, and Lamar County Investigator. Today, Gary spends most of 
his time running his ranch.
  Gary's commitment to public service continued as Commander of the 
American Legion, Red Henderson Post 483, where he helped initiate a 
local scholarship program and placed flags in local cemeteries to honor 
our veterans. He stays involved with his community today, sitting on 
the Delta County Museum Board, the Camp Shed and Mt. Joy Cemetery 
Board, the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial Board and the Red River 
Valley Tractor Club. Gary is a proud member of New Hope Church in 
Cooper, where he sings in the Lighthouse Gospel Quartet, and serves as 
the treasurer. I commend Gary for his dedicated service to the people 
of our community and wish him continued success for many years to come.
  It is an honor to bestow Gary with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to the people of our Nation and the people of North 
Texas.

                          ____________________