[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16555]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  IN RECOGNITION OF GARY FRANCIS THOMAS, UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                     OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Mr. Gary Francis Thomas 
upon his retirement from the United States House of Representatives 
Office of the Sergeant at Arms, after thirty-six years of service.
  Mr. Thomas began his career in Congress in 1965 working for the 
Architect of the Capitol in the Labor Room, where he served for five 
years. Upon completing his work with the Architect of the Capitol in 
1970, Mr. Thomas transferred to the Parking Office, where he is now 
completing his thirty-six year career.
  Mr. Thomas began his career during the 89th Congress when 
Representative John W. McCormick was Speaker of the House and Lyndon B. 
Johnson was President of the United States. He has since served under 
eighteen Congresses and seven Presidents, rising within the Sergeant at 
Arms Office to the supervisory level.
  Mr. Thomas resides in the 4th Congressional District of Maryland, 
which I am proud to represent. He is the father of six, three boys and 
three girls, while his wife, Mrs. Janell Thomas, is currently expecting 
the couple's seventh child. Mr. Thomas is a man of conviction and 
community service, dedicating his free time to fostering youth 
development. He has also been an active Minister for the past ten years 
at the Remnant Ministries.
  Gary Francis Thomas' dedication to all he has served here in Congress 
will undoubtedly be missed. Whether it was assisting Members of 
Congress with car problems or issuing parking permits to staff, Mr. 
Thomas served the entire Capitol Hill community without reservation, 
always in high spirits and with a good word for everyone.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in extending our 
sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Gary Francis Thomas upon his 
retirement from the United States Congress.

                          ____________________