Chris Smith: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4836 would name the VA Medical Center in the City of Amarillo, Texas, for Lance Corporal Thomas E.…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4836 would name the VA Medical Center in the City of Amarillo, Texas, for Lance Corporal Thomas E. Creek. This heroic Marine gave his life on February 13, 1969, to save fellow Marines by falling on a grenade near Cam Lo, Vietnam. He was awarded our Nation's highest military declaration, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Lance Corporal Creek was only 18 years old when he went above and beyond the call of duty while serving as rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. I commend my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry), for introducing H.R. 4836 to honor one of our Nation's heroes. The VA medical center in Amarillo, Texas, opened in 1940 and played an important role during and after World War II in caring for and rehabilitating U.S. servicemembers. I think it is entirely fitting and appropriate to remember the ultimate sacrifice of this young brave Marine by naming the Amarillo VA Medical Center for him.”