[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E399-E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THIRD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
______
HON. SAM JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, last fall I invited high
school students living in the Third Congressional District to join the
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. The goal of the CYAC is to foster
civic involvement and to encourage students to unleash their passions
for America. Each meeting, they exceed my expectations and make me
hopeful for the future.
The students who serve on the CYAC represent the best and the
brightest in north Texas. Students are leaders, athletes, musicians,
volunteers, and activists. They are the voice of their generation to
Congress. They make a difference at each meeting, and I'm proud of
them.
For this year's community project, students interviewed a veteran and
wrote essays. A summary of some of the submitted essays follows.
It is my hope that some day the Congressional Youth Advisory Council
will be associated with excellence and one of our highest standards of
civic pride for young people in north Texas. I commend the students for
volunteering their time on the Congressional Youth Advisory Council.
Without a doubt, every student will continue to play an important role
in our community for decades to come, and America and north Texas will
continue to benefit from their dedication, smarts, and service.
To the members of the 2007-2008 Congressional Youth Advisory Council.
Thank you. I salute you; God bless you and God bless America.
I interviewed Mr. Keith Fannon. He served in the United
States Air Force. His beginning rank was just a basic airman,
but he was able to rise all the way up being a Staff Sergeant
when he finished his time of service. He served in the Korean
War. Mr. Fannon may not have seen too much on the battlefield
in itself, but he performed search and rescue missions for
airmen who had been shot down through the Civil Air Patrol
(CAP), helped civilians in need in Korea, and had been
through six major offensives during his service time. Mr.
Keith Fannon has been a family friend for about four years
now, and I've solely gotten to know him for the person he is
today. To be able to learn of Mr. Fannon's past in the Air
Force, though, was a fascinating experience. It gave me more
insight to Mr. Fannon as a whole, and I enjoyed every bit of
it. Having the ability to learn even more about a friend, a
veteran, and America's history from a first-person point of
view all at the same time was mind-blowing. I would like to
thank Mr. Keith Fannon and the Congressional Youth Advisory
Council for giving me such a great opportunity.--Patrick
Foster
For the Veteran's History project, I interviewed retired
Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas, the most decorated Army
officer of the 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry
Regiment. Lt. Col. Megellas and his regiment fought through
Europe in World War II from January 1943 to the end of the
war in 1945, and were welcomed home to a victory parade in
New York on January 12, 1946. He led his men as a Platoon
Leader in many famous battles, including the Battle of the
Bulge, Operation Market Garden, and the battle for Anzio, and
he eventually participated in the American occupation of
Berlin. Interviewing such an influential and heroic veteran
truly affected my life in an undeniable and poignant way.
Though Lt. Col. Megellas said that he does not agree with
those who call him part of the ``greatest generation,''
getting the chance to interview him reminded me that
unbelievable heroism, valor, and selflessness can still exist
in the face of a world where people's worth is often judged
by their money and power in society. Whether he agrees with
me or not. I believe that soldiers like Lt. Col. Megellas,
including the brave men and women fighting in the military
for America today, are the greatest of any generation in
American history. As Lt. Col. Megellas put it, ``We're
blessed in many ways, but not more so than the quality of the
young men and women who will step forward whenever we're been
in trouble. They are the best of this generation.''--Stephen
Hayes
Howard Montfort, known to all his friends as Dusty, was
born in Carrolton, Texas and has lived in Texas all his life,
except for his time of service. He was originally drafted in
1966, but was unable to comply with his draft notice due to
an infection of viral encephalitis. After recovering, he was
given pardon and transferred from Texas A&M, where he had
been going to school, to NTSU. There he was drafted a second
time, but decided instead to visit the school's recruiter to
join a program which allowed him to finish school while
training for the Air Force. Dusty entered the Air Force in
1969, flying the infamous B-52. After joining the Vietnam
Conflict, he quickly rose from Second Lieutenant to Aircraft
Commander, and flew numerous Tours for a total of 141 combat
missions. Dusty received the Air Medal and seven Oak Leaf
clusters during his service. In addition, he was awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross in December 1972 for ``Heroism or
extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial
flight.''
In March of 1974, Dusty left the service after flying for
five years. He is now married to Gila Montfort, his wife of
thirty-eight years. Together, they have a son, Steven
Montfort, who lives in Los Angeles and works as an actor. By
conducting this interview, I have heard first-hand the
experiences of an American veteran. These people have served
our country. They have died to pay for our freedom, and I had
the opportunity to speak to one of them. In addition, I
learned more about the Vietnam Conflict than I previously
knew, I am extremely thankful for the experience.--Weston
Barker
Mr. Billie Bob Norris proudly served as a Corporal in the
United States Marine Corps for 19 months during the Korean
War. He was a member of the First Marine Air Wing, Fleet
Marine Force, Marine Air Group 12, Service Squadron 1. During
that time, he was stationed in the frigid area of Wonsan,
North Korea, shortly after its liberation by the South Korean
forces. He then joined with the K27 Yonpo Airdrome as they
went to Hamhung-Hungnam as part of the ``Frozen Chosin'' or
``Chosin Few.'' He was also stationed in Pusan, South Korea,
and later worked as a radio-radar technician in Japan for the
duration of his service. Mr. Norris currently holds a
bachelor's degree in industrial art, a master's degree in
secondary school administration, and a specialist degree in
vocational education. He is also a member of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) and lives in Frisco, Texas with his wife,
Armetha.
Throughout the process of writing this essay I have earned
both a greater respect
[[Page E400]]
for this Nation's veterans and a greater understanding of one
war in our country's history that is, sadly, looked over by
many people. The United States' veterans have gone through
experiences that neither I nor anyone in my generation can
truly begin to imagine. And for that, we can never thank our
troops, both past and current, enough.--Ashley Newton
Lloyd was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 10,
1923. At age 11, his family moved to Peacedale, Rhode Island.
Some seven or so years later Lloyd voted for his first
presidential candidate, Harry S. Truman, for his second term.
Then in the November of his nineteenth year, he enlisted in
the Navy. He was a payroll officer, and a soldier. When it
was necessary, as it was for the Japanese invasion, the
payroll was to be set down, and they would fight with the
rest of the outfit. When the war was ended, Lloyd decided to
stay in the army, and was assigned to Okinawa. Soon
thereafter, he sent for Dorothy and their fourteen month-old
daughter, Carol. When they arrived, it was the first time
Lloyd had ever seen Carol. In January of 1951, he was called
to active duty and was stationed at the Air Force base in
Miami. Although he was still a payroll officer, his outfit
supported the troops in Japan facing Korea. Lloyd retired
from military service on a Sunday in 1965 as a senior master
sergeant, and began work at the PANTEX Ordnance Plano the
very next morning in Amarillo, Texas. He retired from his job
in 1986. Lloyd died on February 24th, 2008, in the center of
a circle of family members. This project came at the perfect
time. I may have missed my chance to learn about him had I
not conducted this interview. There was an opportunity for
closure, and I'm beginning to see how quickly we are losing
the WWII generation.--Bethany Johnston
For the Preserving History project I interviewed Sergeant
Quentin Higgins. Higgins served as a tank commander in World
War II throughout England, North Africa, and Italy and
earning several medals. In addition, he has written a memoir,
reached the age of ninety years old, and blessed the lives of
many people. Through this experience I have learned more
about the dedication of our military to preserve our liberty
in the United States that can often be taken for granted. I
was initially stunned and amazed that the man I was speaking
to went through intense front line combat in World War II and
lived to tell about it at ninety years old. While I had read
and heard second hand about World War II stories, the reality
of the events and experiences of the soldiers came alive in
my mind when I spoke with Mr. Higgins. I have acquired a
greater appreciation for our troops who sacrifice their lives
daily for their country and a deeper comprehension of the
traumas of war. Most importantly I gained a fuller
gratefulness as Higgins stated ``appreciate life and count
your blessings.''--Stephanie Tison
I had the pleasure of interviewing Lieutenant Colonel
Bernard Aikens, formerly of the United States Army, on 29
February 2008, at his office in Plano Fast Senior High
School. He provided me with his personal history, from his
many academic achievements in high school, his introduction
to the military during college, and some of his more
memorable experiences as an officer in the United States
Army. I have also had the opportunity to work with
Lieutenant Colonel Aikens for the past four years, and I
have found him to be a great example for the students he
leads, and very helpful in my own pursuit of goals for the
future, as well as instrumental in the roads to success
for several other students, my peers, and those who have
gone before. His life has been and continues to be one of
dedicated and energized service to those around him, to
his community. and to his country.--David Paxman
For my Preserving History: Veteran's Interview. I am
honored to have received the opportunity to interview Wesley
C. Browning. This remarkable individual served in the Iraq
War for a nine month period. He was titled as a civilian and
worked with the Hazardous Material Management in Baghdad,
Iraq. Mr. Browning conquered many challenging obstacles and
accomplished well respected goals. He faced the boot camp,
bombings, and hardships like the hero he truly represents.
During the time he spent in Iraq, his primary task was to
assist the soldiers so they could concentrate on defending
their country. Mr. Browning dealt with the contamination of
foods after battle and vermin localized around the camp. He
handled weapons, bomb materials, and fought adjacent to the
soldiers while participating in the war. Mr. Browning has
gained a wide breadth of experience from joining the Iraq
War. He not only has made lifelong friendships, but has
learned about the various cultures and traditions in other
parts of the world.
I have the utmost respect for anyone that risks their life
to defend their country. Conversing with Mr. Browning has
allowed me to gain an innovative view of the world and our
society. Hearing him discuss passionately his values and
morals was very impressive and refreshing. I have learned
from this war hero that the materialistic side of life is
submissive to the people and relationships present and
nothing is worth being taken for granted.--Ally Crutcher
Non-commissioned Officer Josh Bomar joined the United
States Marine Corps to find discipline and focus. Bomar
served two terms of seven months each in Iraq. The Marines
protected, patrolled, and regulated the areas. Bomar's
assignments were gunner, who lies on top of the humvee and
shoots a machine gun, and vehicle commander, who is in charge
of an entire humvee. Bomar's family was very encouraging,
both extending and immediate family supported his decision to
join the service. Bomar is now attending the University of
Texas at Dallas where he is studying criminology. Bomar's
military experiences has made him more confident. Becoming a
Marine has given Bomar the tools to do better in his life. He
now has the discipline to accomplish everything he wants to
in the future. Bomar feels fortunate to have been part of the
United States Marine Corps and is thankful for all the
opportunities he has been given.
By interviewing Josh Bomar, I have gained a better
understanding of how joining the service can change your
life. This opportunity allowed me to learn about the daily
life of soldiers and the realities of combat during the war.
I admire the courageous men and women who sacrifice their
lives to protect our country.--Emily Buss
Command Sergeant Major Robert F. Donahue epitomizes
everything it means to be a proud American. Even after two
tours of duty in Vietnam and another in Iraq, he loves to
share his experiences and wisdom gained from his time in the
military. People are always trying to find someone who can be
a great role model for today's young people, CSM Donahue is
exactly that. Born into a military family with a career
soldier for a father and a World War II nurse for a mother.
CSM Donohue was born in North Carolina. He moved many times
during his early life and spent most of his high school life
in Lawton, Oklahoma. Growing up in Lawton. CSM Donahue didn't
know a life other than the one he was living, of
military orientation, very regimented and discipline
oriented. Prior to his last year of high school, the Tet
Offensive happened in Vietnam. Once he graduated from high
school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, heading off to
Vietnam for ten months on separate tours of duty. After
Vietnam, he stayed in the army reserve up until his time
in Iraq. I gained many things from my experience
interviewing CSM Donahue.--Michael Buss
I chose to do my biography on Matthew Edward Rice, my dad.
In August 1981, at nineteen years old he went to Basic
Training at Ft. Gordon. He then went to AIT where he learned
to be a Telephone Switchboard Technician, and then he was
stationed in Darmstadt, Germany in May of 1982 with the C Co.
44th Signal Battalion. He then received orders to go back to
Ft. Gordon for new advanced digital telephone switch
training. He was then assigned to Ft. Bragg with orders to
the 327th Signal BN. However, he was transferred to B Co.
50th Signal BN, for the liberation of Grenada. He was
reassigned to A Co. 327th Signal BN. My dad went to Germany
in 1984 and attended Primary Leadership Development Course.
He then was transferred to the 17th Signal BN. He then
returned to Ft. Gordon as an Instructor. His last assignment
was with Headquarters Co. 304th Signal BN South Korea from
May of 1991 to June 1992. I have learned a lot about
dedication, hard work and responsibility from my father and
his stories of his time in the Army. My dad has instilled in
me the values that the military has instilled in him.--
Allyson Rice
Larry Lucido joined the Marine Corps. He began as a private
in the Marine Corps and ended his service as a Sergeant.
During his nine month tour of duty in the Korean War he saw a
lot of action and fought in several battles including the
battle of Chosin Reservoir where the Chinese entered the war
and surrounded the Marines until the Marines managed to break
out. He was awarded two Purple Hearts during his tour. The
first Purple Heart was awarded to him after he was shot in
the back. His second Purple Heart was awarded to him after he
went to go help one of his injured friends and he stepped on
a land mine that took off his leg. He also captured a North
Korean soldier than gave them information about the other
North Korean Troops in the area.
From this experience I have gained a greater respect for
those who serve in our country's armed forces and fight to
keep this and other countries free. His service in the Marine
Corps is a great inspiration. How he was shot in the back and
lost his leg in the service of our country shows how high the
price of freedom can be and how we must respect those who
fight to protect it.--Brian Bruck
My name is James Garrett Follette and I interviewed Captain
Ralph Peter ``Pete'' Langenfield on January 26, 2008. Pete
enlisted with the Air Force in the summer of 1942 and saw
active duty in January 1943 as a 2nd lieutenant. Pete was
assigned to the 785th Bombardment Squadron of the 466th
Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Division stationed in
England as a bombardier for a B-24 Liberator. His last day of
service was on December 19, 1945. For two years, Pete also
flew B-29 Bombers during the Korean War. He held the rank of
Captain when he was discharged on April 14, 1951.
On August 24, 2006 he received the Distinguished Flying
Cross with valor for his heroism on January 2, 1945. On his
31st combat mission over Remagen, Germany, one of the live
2,000-pound bombs on his B-24 Liberator did not release. Pete
removed his parachute and oxygen mask so he could move to the
open bomb bay and manually release the weapon. Interviewing
Captain Langenfeld has been an incredible experience. To
listen to the thrill and patriotism in his voice is
[[Page E401]]
contagious. It makes one realize how important history is and
we do not want to lose these experiences.--Garrett Tollelle
The tributes, memories, and lives of those who serve or
have served in the armed forces must be exalted and above all
else never forgotten. Thanks to this interview of United
States Marine Corps Major John Lauder, I have first hand
insight on the life of a true patriot. Major John Lauder went
from only a Cadet, to Captain, 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant
all the way to where he is now at Major. As I listened to the
memories and experience of Major Lauder, it occurred to me
the massive amount of courage, dedication, and perseverance
it takes to serve. As a marine he has served four tours of
duty thus far and is still an honorable member of the
Marines. It is to him I owe my understanding of the true
hardships that one must take on as a Marine. I hold people
like Major John Lauder responsible for my feelings of
security and pride in such a beloved country.
The memories of our men in service and veterans are
important ones. They are memories that should not be lost.
These people have put their lives on the line and triumphed
over all odds. I proudly say that Major John Lauder is one of
these people. While serving, Major Lauder has truly excelled
as a Marine. earning awards such as Iraqi and Afghan campaign
medals as well as being decorated for valor. Not only those,
but he has also received the Global War on Terrorism Service
medal, expeditionary medals, along with a combat action
ribbon. Major John Lauder is a truly exemplary person and I
give thanks to God for people like him.--Amanda Dees
Colonel James E. Gilliland grew up in a changing time
throughout the tides of war and peace. He entered the Air
Force as the Korean War had ended, but answered the call to
defend his country during the Vietnam War, flying 100 vital
reconnaissance missions over North and South Vietnam war
zones in a very short amount of time. The dangerous missions
which he completed helped to contribute to the key strategies
during the war, saving countless American lives. Throughout
his tour in enemy skies, he was a highly decorated RF-4C
pilot in the United States Air Force, which includes the
Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit,
Bronze Star and Air Medals. Even after his combat tours in
Vietnam, Colonel Gilliland continued to hold senior command
and staff positions in Saigon, Hawaii, Colorado, Texas,
England, and eventually Belgium. Not only was this man a hero
throughout his career with the Air Force, but he is also my
grandfather, a man I hold in the highest regard. Hearing his
story, which even now is hard for him to tell, has helped me
to better understand just how much he has sacrificed for his
country.--Trevor Ede
What Corbett Reagan accomplished was a 6 month tour (1990-
1991) of duty in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm where he
specialized in anti-tank gunning. He was the recipient of the
Meritorious Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Citation, and the
Kuwait Liberation Medal. What I gained from this interview
experience was how committed Corporal Reagan was to his
country. It was part of his heart and soul to be a Marine and
serve our nation, particularly growing up in a military
family. I also was struck by the influence the Marines and
his overall service in Kuwait/Iraq during Operation Desert
Storm had in molding him into a man of character. Being in
the Marines shaped his life in many ways, particularly in
helping him understand the issues of life and death,
obtaining his education, the importance of family and
friends, as well as gaining an appreciation for what it means
to live in this great nation of ours.--Lauren Hill
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Castle was born in 1946 in
Rochester, New York. His decision to join the Army was
voluntary but also influenced by his family. His grandfather
had served in the Navy during WWI while his own father had
been a captain in the air corp. Even his brother had served
in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Richard
served in the Vietnam War as a logistics officer. During
his entire military career. Richard reached the position
of 5th corp commander under a three star general. At the
end of his military career, he reached the position of
lieutenant colonel for his incredible service. The things
I learned from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Castle were so
astounding and intriguing. He seemed like a man who
genuinely cared about his country and had loved serving in
the Army. It made me gain a much greater appreciation for
the men and women in the service right now. Talking on the
phone with him. I realized how much of an ordinary person
Mr. Castle was. Yet for him to have done so much for the
Army is absolutely amazing. His story truly shows that
anyone can serve the country and be an inspiration.--Lisa
Hu
Colonel Vernon David Gores was born on December 27, 1929 in
Bisbee, North Dakota. He grew up exposed to the agricultural
environment of North Dakota, in addition to the small city
life of Fargo, North Dakota. Vern Gores graduated from North
Dakota State University with a degree in civil engineering in
1951. While there he attended ROTC, then entered the United
States Air Force as a second lieutenant and attended flight
school. Vern served in several capacities for the Air Force.
For most of his Air Force career, Vern served as a pilot for
transport (C-46) and reconnaissance aircraft (EC-121). He
also advised an ROTC unit. He held positions of operations
officer, commander advisor to the National Guard, and
inspector general. Vern lived across the nation and
internationally during his career. After North Dakota he
lived in Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois, Vermont, California,
Massachusetts, Florida, and Ohio. He also served in several
foreign countries: Japan, South Korea, Libya, Vietnam, and
Thailand. Vern served in the Korean conflict and Vietnam. He
remembers the Cuban Missile Crisis and the ``ongoing'' Cold
War.
Vern retired from the Air Force at the rank of Full Colonel
in 1979 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio after 28 years of
service. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Air Medal,
and Bronze Star recognitions. Today Colonel Gore lives in the
Villages of Lady Lake, Florida with his wife Colleen. They
have been married for more than fifty years. They have one
son, two daughters, and five grandchildren. His family is
very proud of his accomplishments. He served with untiring
effort, superior intellect, and uncompromising values of
honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The nation and our family
are fortunate to be associated with him.--Garrett McDaniel
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