[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E681]
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 gill of freedom.
  You are the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and 
God bless America.
  The summary follows:

       Charlie O'Reilly was inducted into the United States Army 
     in Kansas City and completed Basic Army Training at Camp 
     Chaffee, Arkansas. Charlie received badges for hours shooting 
     proficiency. After completing his training at Camp Chaffee, 
     Charlie was ordered to report for duty at Andrews Air Force 
     Base, Washington D.C. He was assigned to the 601st AAA 
     Battalion. Their mission was the defense of the Washington, 
     D.C. area. In addition to his normal duties, Charlie was 
     required to serve periodically in the control center where he 
     would plot the position of aircraft around the military 
     District of Washington. Charlie entered the Army as a Buck 
     Private (E1) and when transferred from active duty to the 
     army reserves he held the rank of an E4 (SP3/CPL). He 
     completed his active duty service and was transferred to Fort 
     George G. Meade, Maryland where he was released from active 
     duty and transferred to the United States Army Reserve where 
     he served for an additional six years before receiving his 
     Honorable Discharge. Through my interview I learned of my 
     grandfather's times and memories as a ``troop.'' I learned 
     that there is always hope for better days; that believing in 
     yourself is a quality you must develop and once pursued 
     should truly be cherished. Hope, faith, endurance, and 
     happiness are key necessities for not only doing well in the 
     military but surviving our society today. My grandfather 
     learned many great lessons in the Army and over-all 
     experienced a life-changing experience that he will value 
     forever.--Tara O'Reilly

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