[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
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:

       Mr. Craig Sherwood was born on February 3, 1966, and was 
     influenced at an early age by the sense of ``duty, honor, 
     country'' that was enforced at the U.S. Military Academy at 
     West Point. He was highly impressed by their integrity and 
     strived to be like the officers he had seen at the academy. 
     His father served in the Korean War and his uncle had served 
     in the Vietnam War. Mr. Sherwood enlisted in August 1985 at 
     age 19 and was sent to several training camps including 
     airborne camp where he trained with parachutes and 
     infiltration maneuvers. Afterwards, he was sent to ranger 
     camp where he was put through rigorous training programs and 
     eventually came through 43 pounds thinner! After training, he 
     was sent to Germany and was stationed over 50 men and four 
     canons. Mr. Sherwood was placed in 1989 to hold off the 
     Soviet Union forces and was outnumbered three to one but was 
     able to hold them off for 45 minutes, ensuring a U.S. 
     victory. I have learned that despite the pride of serving the 
     Nation at home and abroad, there is still a danger that is 
     faced. I have gained an understanding and appreciation for 
     those who have served and given their time to preserve 
     freedom in the U.S. Mr. Sherwood's story portrays the 
     sanctity of life and how important it is to protect those 
     moments with loved ones and to never give up.--Alexis Webber.

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