[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E682]
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 Master Sergeant Darrell Crews who retired 
     from the Army with over twenty years of service and became a 
     high school Army JROTC instructor. Master Sergeant Darrell 
     Crews served in Infantry, Armor, and combat support during 
     his career in the Army. He served in conflicts such as 
     Vietnam and Desert Storm, seeing combat in both. He was also 
     deployed in several other countries in the Middle East and 
     was even stationed at a base in Germany. After serving he 
     used the G.I. Bill to receive payment for college to become 
     further educated. With his prior knowledge and experience 
     with the military he is able to influence students to strive 
     for their best in what they believe and that education is an 
     important gift that should be sought after by all students. 
     My interview with Master Sergeant Darrell Crews showed me how 
     military service affects someone and that the skills gained 
     throughout his career can be used to help others in their 
     lives. Also, just like ordinary people, NCO's and officers 
     have to use teamwork in order to make things happen which is 
     one thing that Master Sergeant Crews truly believes in.--Eric 
     Parker.

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