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“TRIBUTE ON THE OCCASION OF MAJOR GERALD THOMAS' RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E203-E204 on Feb. 4, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE ON THE OCCASION OF MAJOR GERALD THOMAS' RETIREMENT FROM THE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
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HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to MAJ Gerald A. Thomas, U.S. Marine Corps, on the occasion of his retirement from active duty. Major Thomas has served our great Nation for more than 21 years, earning many decorations, among them the Bronze Star with Combat ``V''. I, and many other members of this chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past 3 years that he has served as part of Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and as the Deputy Director of the U.S.M.C. Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Major Thomas distinguished himself through exceptional meritorious service while serving as the Deputy Director. Every day he served in direct support of not only the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs but in direct support of every member of Congress, every Marine and every American. His keen abilities in organization, interpersonal relationships, and communication were extremely critical to the successful accomplishment of the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs' mission. His achievements and ability to get the job done have been understated but always effective and noteworthy. While serving in the Liaison office, Major Thomas was able to develop and execute legislative strategy for the United States Marine Corps that was instrumental in creating a fiscal and policy landscape conducive to training and equipping the Nation's most elite fighting force, ensuring their success on the battlefield. He routinely turned broad guidance into action which energized the Office of Legislative Affairs and members of Congress alike. His actions allowed the Marine Corps to engage members of Congress and their staffs, directly facilitating the increased emphasis on improving Congressional relationships--a cornerstone of CMC's strategic vision.
The Marine Corps House of Representatives Liaison Office that Major Thomas leaves behind is functional and responsive, highly integrated, and favors a proactive legislative strategy. While leading the House Liaison Office through the extraordinary challenges associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the ongoing Global War on Terror, he concurrently ensured that a myriad of daily Congressional communications, taskings and events were executed flawlessly. The leadership and direction that Major Thomas provided was instrumental to the Marine Corps' tremendous success during a period of extraordinarily high operational tempo and unprecedented Congressional interest in Marine Corps activities. During Major Thomas' two years as the Deputy Director, he accomplished the full spectrum of the Marine Corps' legislative mission.
Members and staffers alike respected and trusted Major Thomas' straightforward and dependable assistance. He exemplified the candor and knowledge that we have come to expect from the Marine Corps and he played a key role in maintaining superb relationships between the Marine Corps and the House of Representatives.
Throughout his tour, Major Thomas effectively responded to several thousand congressional inquiries, many of which gained national level attention. He demonstrated a unique ability to translate the language of the House of Representatives to the language of the Marine Corps and vice versa, enabling him to provide us with a clear sense of what the Marine Corps could accomplish. Because of the Major, Members of Congress were able to establish lasting professional relationships with senior members of the Marine Corps that didn't exist prior to his arrival. During his time on Capitol Hill, Major Thomas successfully planned, coordinated and escorted over 50 international and domestic Congressional and Staff Delegations. His detailed coordination with foreign government officials, U.S. State Department, and senior military officials ensured that each delegation was conducted professionally. His attention to detail and anticipation of requirements allowed Representatives to focus on fact-finding and gleaning new insights that informed critical decisions to support the people of the United States. With more than 15 delegations to Central Command Major Thomas assisted in educating Members of Congress on the successes and challenges facing our service men and women that could only be gained from first-hand observation and face-to-face interaction. Due to his professionalism, dedication and keen knowledge, Major Thomas became the most sought after military escort for delegations traveling into Central Command. The time he has spent supporting Members of the House has been truly noteworthy. He has made lasting contributions to the House of Representatives.
Major Thomas has also made a lasting contribution in the sustainment of today's readiness and the shape of tomorrow's Marine Corps. Maj Thomas' distinguished service has left a mark of true excellence that will last long after he has departed the Office of Legislative Affairs. The Marine Corps will miss him, but Major Thomas leaves a tremendous legacy for others to follow and emulate. I wish Major Gerald Thomas congratulations and all best wishes as he enters this new chapter of his life.
During his 21 years of service, Maj Thomas has served as:
Communications Marine--Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune;
Student--Marine Corps Education Program--University of Arizona;
Platoon Commander--Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;
Platoon Commander--Weapons Platoon, Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;
Executive Officer--Echo Co, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines;
Staff Platoon Commander--The Basic School;
Executive Officer--Alpha, Charlie, & Echo Companies;
The Basic School Instructor--Infantry Officer Course;
Student--Infantry Officers Captain's Career Course;
Company Commander--Lima Co, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines;
Congressional Fellow--Office of Rep. Sanford Bishop;
Joint Action Officer--Plans, Policies, and Operations Department, HQMC;
Deputy Director--Marine Corps House Liaison Office.
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