[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2010

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues 
to join me in congratulating the 2009-2010 Congressional Youth Advisory 
Council. This year 45 students from public, private, and home schools 
in grades 9 through 12 made their voices heard and made a difference in 
their communities, their country and their Congress. These students 
volunteered their time, effort, and talent to inform me about the 
important issues facing their generation. As young leaders within their 
communities and their schools, these students boldly represent the 
promise and the hope we all have for their very bright future.
  President Ronald Reagan said, ``Freedom is never more than one 
generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in 
the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for 
them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling 
our children and our children's children what it was once like in the 
United States where men were free.''
  To ensure that the blessing of freedom is passed from one generation 
to the next, the members of the CYAC spent time interviewing a veteran 
and documenting the experience for the ``Preserving History Project.'' 
Today I'm proud to submit the brief summaries provided so the patriotic 
service of our dedicated veterans and the thoughtful work of the CYAC 
may be preserved for antiquity in the Congressional Record. A copy of 
each submitted student summary follows.
  To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, thank you 
for making this year and this group a success. It is not a coincidence 
that this congressional tribute celebrates two generations of service. 
Each of you is trusted with the precious gift of freedom.
  You are the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and 
God bless America.
  The summary follows:

       Retired Staff Sergeant Bernard J. Grant served a year in 
     Vietnam as a convoy escort and over eight more years in 
     Europe in counter-intelligence. He was the winner of several 
     awards including: Army Commendation, five Awards of Good 
     Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service 
     Medal, a Unit Citation, and more. He truly understood his 
     duty and he carried it out no questions asked, without regard 
     for his personal opinion. Grant understood that to serve in 
     the military meant to be a weapon of the American government 
     and a part of the greatest military on Earth. In this 
     military, unity and personal sacrifice is key; there is 
     little room for individualism, for the military must be one 
     in action and goal. One's duty to their country comes before 
     all personal desires. My discussion with Mr. Grant taught me 
     these important lessons, which I will carry with me for the 
     rest of my life. I will always remember them, and I will 
     always respect those who serve our country, and those that 
     have served our country, for their duty, honor, and 
     sacrifice.--Josh Eldridge.

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