[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 3123-3124] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF FRANK THOMPSON AND HIS SERVICE TO SPOKANE COUNTY VETERANS ______ HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS of washington in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Frank Thompson. On March 1, 2008, Mr. Thompson, Director of the Spokane County Veteran Services, retired from his post in Spokane County, after an honorable 32-year career in veterans' services. In a time when our country acknowledges how much we depend upon our soldiers, and accordingly understand what honor, respect, and responsibility is owed to them when they become veterans, Frank Thompson stands out as an example of what it means to truly dedicate oneself to these deserving men and women, to serve them in a meaningful way. Frank Thompson grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, graduating with a B.A. in social studies in 1967. When he entered the Air Force 3 months later, he began a lifelong attachment to the military which would continue all the way up to today. He later went on to serve 4 [[Page 3124]] years in the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. Upon being discharged, he attended graduate school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Earning an M.A. in counseling in 1975, he also entered the Washington Air National Guard, joining the 105th Tactical Air Control Squadron. It is obvious, Mr. Speaker, that Frank Thompson's dedication to the United States and his willingness to serve in the armed forces can never be doubted. Frank began his service of three decades to American veterans on February 1, 1976, when he began working at the Spokane County Veteran Services as a Veterans Contact Representative. His reliability and talent shown through when, just 4 years later, he was appointed director in 1980. Mr. Speaker, he did all this while still serving in the Washington Air National Guard and did not retire from military service until December of 1991, having attained the rank of major. He continued his honorable work at the Spokane County Veteran Services until this past week. Madam Speaker, I thank Frank Thompson for his service to those who sacrificed so much for their country. I praise him as example to us all of what true responsibility to our veterans looks like. And I offer my best wishes for him and his family as they open this new chapter in their lives. ____________________