[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E634-E635]
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:

       Major Scott Edward Barnett, has accomplished so much in his 
     life. After talking to him, I understand that being in the 
     military is a very rewarding life experience. I have learned 
     so much after interviewing him.

[[Page E635]]

     After speaking with someone who has seen so many traumatic 
     experiences, the war really does become real to me. I also 
     can really feel the pain of having to be so far away from 
     your loved ones for so long. I can't even imagine having to 
     be newly married, then deployed to a foreign country in 
     danger, away from your new spouse, not being able to contact 
     them every day. Or even having children and not being able to 
     see them grow up. This would be extremely hard to do, and it 
     really takes a special type of person to do that. This 
     assignment has given me a new appreciation of everything that 
     our soldiers do for us. When you are just living your normal 
     daily life, there are soldiers out in danger, fighting to let 
     you keep that freedom that you just take advantage of. I 
     believe that more people should get to know about the war 
     veterans, so that they can appreciate everything soldiers do 
     for us.--Abby Callison

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