[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
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

                       Wednesday, April 28, 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:

       The person whom I interviewed was Kirby Dean Luke, my 
     stepfather. He married my mother four years ago, and ever 
     since that day I have had a new found respect for the 
     branches of the government. He ended his career as a Petty 
     Officer first class/E6/M1 A. To me he has accomplished being 
     a great soldier who has protected this country with his heart 
     and soul. He accomplished being a great friend to other 
     soldiers in need and he accomplished being a great father for 
     his daughter and me, a girl whom he has only known for a few 
     years.
       What I have gained from this experience is that a solider 
     is a man who is honorable, strong, intelligent, and loving. 
     He is a man who puts others before himself. He is a man whom 
     you would want by your side during difficult times. He is a 
     man whom you would want defending your country. To me one of 
     the greatest parts of this country is the men and women we 
     have in all our branches of government. I am thankful that we 
     have them to defend our country and there is no one else out 
     there better than them.--Caitlin Zanin.

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