[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E690-E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            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:

       Sergeant Archie Lee Dyer joined the Marine Corps on 
     November 22, 1967. He was only 19 years old at the time, but 
     he was courageous enough to begin his journey as a soldier in 
     the Vietnam War. As a granddaughter of Archie Dyer, I have 
     gotten to know his military career well. It's amazing to sit 
     and listen to the stories of my sweet, humble' and brave 
     Pawpaw's journey as a Marine. His life has been shaped 
     greatly because of his time spent in the Vietnam War and I am 
     very lucky to have a brave grandfather who was willing to 
     potentially sacrifice his life far our nation. Although he 
     has created a successful pool company and had many other 
     great successes in life, the one that can be most appreciated 
     is his success as a Marine. I have learned so much about my 
     Pawpaw by doing this interview. I have realized how 
     passionate he is about protecting our nation by the way he 
     continually holds his head high while telling stories of the 
     ``good old days'' when he was a Marine. Although his time in 
     the Vietnam War was a very trying experience, my Pawpaw never 
     regrets his time spent braving the war and protecting our 
     great nation. I am so proud of my Pawpaw for all that he has 
     done and I am grateful to have had this experience to learn 
     more about this man that I love and respect so much.--Caitlyn 
     Woolum.

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