[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CPT A. RALPH GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Ralph 
Gibson on his retirement. Captain Gibson concludes a distinguished 
career in the military with his final post as the Assistant Chief of 
Staff, Religious Ministries, Marine Corps Recruit Depot--Eastern 
Recruiting Region. This is a man that demonstrated the true meaning of 
service beyond one's self. Since his enlistment in the Army in 1967, 
Captain Gibson served not only his country, but God as well.
  Captain Gibson served in the Army and the Oklahoma National Guard 
until 1979. That year, having previously completed his studies at the 
Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, Gibson was 
commissioned as a Navy Chaplain. He continued to serve both God and 
country through the First Gulf War, earning numerous medals and 
commendations along the way. Undoubtedly, his service to the men and 
women of our armed forces provided the spiritual direction and comfort 
so desperately needed when these brave people are away from their 
families and loved ones.
  Captain Gibson will continue his service as pastor for a church in 
South Carolina. I am confident that the members of that church will 
greatly benefit just as our servicemen and women did under his guidance 
and leadership. I congratulate Captain Gibson on his retirement, thank 
him for his service, and wish him the best for the future.

                          ____________________