[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1343-E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REVEREND HOWARD JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Reverend 
Howard Johnson for his dedication to the Truevine Missionary Baptist 
Church of Mobile, Alabama, where he has spent the last 24 years as 
pastor.
  Reverend Johnson was born on June 26, 1940, in Jackson, Alabama. He 
was reared and educated in Clarke County. He became a member of the 
Bethlehem Baptist Church in Citronelle, Alabama, and served there for 
12 years. He received both an associate arts degree and bachelor of 
arts degree from S.D. Bishop State Junior College and Mobile College 
between 1975 and 1976. He received his master of divinity degree in 
1979 when he

[[Page E1344]]

graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and his doctor 
of divinity degree from the Virginia Seminary. Since 1984, Reverend 
Johnson has served as the pastor at the Truevine Missionary Baptist 
Church.
  Reverend Johnson has held various positions in the Mt. Olive Baptist 
Church and the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church. He has also led and been a 
member of many civic and religious organizations. Currently, he is the 
chaplain for the University of South Alabama Medical Center. He is 
truly a leader in our community and deserves recognition for all of his 
many achievements.
  On Sunday, July 13, 2006, Reverend Johnson will be recognized for his 
24 years of service to the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church. He and 
his wife, Gloria, are the proud parents of three wonderful children--a 
son, Private First Class Howard Johnson II; and two daughters, Zsaquez 
RaShaunn and Geiselle LaVonne. Private Johnson was America's first 
casualty in the war in Iraq. Tragically, Private Johnson's supply 
convoy was ambushed in the early days of the campaign in the Iraqi city 
of Nasiriyah. Private Johnson remains a hero not only to his family and 
friends but to a grateful nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating 
Reverend Johnson on this special day and this remarkable achievement. 
Unfortunately, a prior engagement out of town will prevent me from 
joining Reverend Johnson and his family and friends as they celebrate 
this milestone. I know his lovely wife, Gloria, his family and his many 
friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending 
thanks to the Good Lord for Reverend Johnson's exemplary service over 
the years to the congregation of Truevine Missionary Baptist Church.

                          ____________________