[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E649-E650]
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

                         Monday, April 26, 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

[[Page E650]]

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:

       My grandfather, Colonel Lee Powell, served in the Air Force 
     for a total of thirty years, garnering experience at many 
     different bases throughout the United States and abroad, 
     including England and Vietnam. His main area of interest and 
     expertise in the Air Force was contract administration, 
     although he completed other assignments as well, such as 
     Armed Forces Courier Officer and Missile Launch Officer. His 
     engineering background assisted him throughout his career. He 
     also enjoyed traveling, an interest that the Air Force helped 
     facilitate, as he traveled extensively throughout Europe and 
     Africa, and also visited other places such as Australia and 
     Thailand. He worked his way up through the ranks, starting 
     through the ROTC program at his university, and then finally 
     achieving the rank of Colonel. When asked what impact his 
     military service had on his views of war and conflict, 
     Colonel Powell responded that his Vietnam and other 
     experiences have led him to believe that the United States 
     should not again involve itself in the civil wars of other 
     countries.--Mitchell Powell

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