TRIBUTE TO HANK THORNTON

On 2026-07-29, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO HANK THORNTON" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO HANK THORNTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 124 (Wednesday, July 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4333] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO HANK THORNTON Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, the Gem State is made strong by the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. To recognize these exceptional individuals, I am proud to launch the Idaho Service Spotlight to honor the Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Gem State. It is especially fitting that we begin this initiative on Idaho Day, the anniversary of Idaho's statehood and a celebration of the people whose contributions continue to shape our exceptional quality of life. Today, I am pleased to recognize Hank Thornton of St. Maries as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of July 2026. Hank has devoted his life's work to those who served our Nation. An Air Force veteran himself, Hank has seen firsthand the struggles many men and women face when returning home from military service. After a young local veteran took his life, Hank recognized a severe lack of support for veterans in north central Idaho and took action. He started knocking on doors, talking to the community, and eventually founded the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., of Benewah County in 2018. The outreach center has since become a lifeline for local veterans, providing mental health resources, warm meals, and so much more. Hank and his team make house calls to any veteran who may be experiencing difficulties, offering support and connecting them with community resources. Their selfless actions have helped hundreds of veterans build a life worth living and dramatically reduced veteran suicides in the region. As the organization grew, the center expanded to include a food bank, serving hot meals twice a week and ensuring Benewah County families and veterans do not go hungry. While the center initially began as Hank's vision, the entire community has rallied behind it, donating a property in downtown St. Maries, funding to maintain daily operations, and providing grants. Outside of the center, Hank is the heartbeat of the St. Maries community. He is president and commander of the St. Joes Valley Search and Rescue, team leader for the Idaho Governor's Challenge on suicide prevention, vice president of the Benewah County Public Gun and Archery Range, and 2nd vice commander of American Legion Post 25. On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Hank for being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of July 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and Idaho is stronger because of your actions. ____________________