[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
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 interviewed retired Captain John Michael Hayes, a former 
     Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. Mr. 
     Hayes is an exceptional veteran who was a vital contributor 
     during our war efforts. He flew 166 successful combat 
     missions and gained over 24,000 flying hours in the military 
     and in commercial flight. In Vietnam he was given a rare 
     opportunity to wear the mantle of senior-officer-hood while 
     being a junior officer. He taught and trained many men in the 
     delicate art of flight while being stationed near northern 
     Vietnam and the brunt of the warfare. Not only was Mr. Hayes 
     an outstanding military officer, he also is an incredible 
     asset to our community. As Veterans Affairs/Military Liaison 
     he deals with numerous cases daily spanning from post-war 
     medal bestowment, to veterans/widows benefits, to youth 
     involvement with our retired servicemen. Mr. Hayes also 
     conducts veterans interviews to keep the stories of WWII 
     veterans and others alive. Mr. Hayes further solidified my 
     yearning to make a difference in America by joining the armed 
     forces. His unique take on leadership and patriotism opened 
     my eyes to new possibilities in America. I may now rest 
     assured that great men are on the front lines, whether it be 
     in the military or in public service, who are truly working 
     for the betterment of our community and the progress of 
     America as a whole.--Adrianne Mikes

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