[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SERGEANT BENTON THAMES FOR HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA AS COMMANDER OF THE RELIEF AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN 
                 SOLDIER AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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                           HON. BILL CASSIDY

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2009

  Mr. CASSIDY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sergeant Benton 
Thames from the Town of Springfield in Louisiana's Sixth's 
Congressional District. It gives me great pleasure to extend to 
Sergeant Thames immense gratitude and appreciation for his exemplary 
service to our country as Commander of the Relief at the Tomb of the 
Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
  Sergeant Thames has dutifully guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 
for over two years. His responsibilities include changing of the guard 
and laying of the wreath at the Tomb. Sergeant Thames strives to make 
this ceremony special for the thousands of veterans and Americans who 
visit this sacred landmark annually. Sergeant Thames' dedicated service 
and commitment to our brave and courageous veterans and fallen heroes 
is truly admirable.
  Sergeant Thames is a graduate of Springfield High School, and a 
former resident of Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District. In his 
spare time, Sergeant Thames volunteers with the Louisiana Honor Air 
program which aides World War II veterans in a variety of ways. I am 
honored by Sergeant Thames' service to our country and wish him 
continued success as Commander of the Relief at the Tomb of the Unknown 
Soldier.

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