Chris Wright: “What are the best things an American can do for his or her country? Public service, military service, community service.…”

“What are the best things an American can do for his or her country? Public service, military service, community service. What does a true public servant look like? Someone who possesses exemplary character, integrity, and inspires confidence. Someone who has the network of relationships on both sides to be both respected and effective. How do you honor a man who gave 20 years to the United States Government and the House of Representatives, the United States Marine Corps Infantry, and dedicated his free time to bringing Democrats and Republicans together in the name of charity? Ryan Thompson, my trusted chief of staff and dear friend, who sits here with me, joins us on the House floor for the final time today. He has accompanied me and our former boss to the floor countless times and always helped us look and do our best. Today is different, though, because this is his moment. Mr. Speaker, there are proud members of the United States Marine Corps and there are proud graduates of Texas A&M University--Texas Aggies. Occasionally, God blesses the world by combining both of those things in one person. Such is the case with Ryan Thompson. Ryan is a proud, sixth-generation Texan of the Aggie variety, who serves as a past president of the Texas State Society.…”