[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
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

                        Tuesday, April 27, 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 chose someone who was close to the hearts of my family, a 
     man of God, and someone who is loyal to his country, Captain 
     Jones. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, after Captain Jones 
     joined the Navy, he expanded tremendously beyond those Texas 
     border lines. Captain Jones has a genuine outlook on the 
     thirty-five years he served in the Navy and is nothing less 
     than satisfied with those years. He finished college while 
     gaining his commission in the Navy, and still had an ample 
     amount of time to continue serving in the military, which he 
     did with full devotion and determination. Captain Jones is a 
     great man, and his story is one of a kind. Prior to this 
     exceptional interview, I already had a great appreciation for 
     the Navy, as well as the other branches of service, because I 
     grew up with a father who actively served to protect the 
     United States of America. Even with my previous knowledge and 
     gratitude of the military service, after I completed the 
     personal interview with Captain Jones, my eyes and my mind 
     were open to more reasons why I truly support all of the 
     troops. I still get a sudden shock when I hear that one 
     person in the crowd, say anything but good things about the 
     United States Military Force. However, as Captain Jones would 
     so kindly put it, ``Don't be narrow minded to the good 
     opportunities that the military has to offer.''--Valencia 
     King

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