[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
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:

       I had the privilege of interviewing Congressman Sam 
     Johnson. He served in the United States Air Force during the 
     Korean War, the Vietnam War, and during the Cuban Missile 
     Crisis. Congressman Johnson was a prisoner of war for nearly 
     seven years in the Hanoi Hilton. Shortly after the Vietnam 
     War, he retired from the United States Air Force as a 
     Colonel. When he departed from the military, he was a highly 
     decorated officer having received two Legions of Merit, the 
     Distinguished Flying Cross, two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star 
     with Valor, four Air Medals, two Purple Hearts, and three 
     Outstanding Unit Awards.
       Since 1991, Congressman Johnson has served the Third 
     District of Texas as our representative to the United States 
     Congress. He serves as the Ranking Member of the Social 
     Security Subcommittee. Congressman Johnson currently sits on 
     the prestigious Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Johnson has 
     personally inspired me as a young man. Through his unshakable 
     faith, he has shown me that nothing is impossible with a 
     mighty God. ``I can do all things through Him who strengthens 
     me.'' (Philippians 4:13). Congressman Johnson is my Hero.--
     Gabriel Devoto.

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