[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
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:

       I spent an evening with Staff Sergeant (SSG) Efrain Garcia, 
     a member of the Texas Army National Guard, recipient of a 
     Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal, currently serving 
     his second term. That's right. A second term. You see, Staff 
     Sergeant Garcia originally joined the U.S. Army when he was 
     just a kid out of Grand Prairie High School, served seven 
     years in the regular army, took a ten year break, and decided 
     he missed the Army life so much, he reenlisted.
       SSG Efrain Garcia was a pleasant looking man, inoffensive 
     in mannerism and he had a humble style of speaking. But, as 
     he said best, ``The plumber working on your pipes could have 
     a Silver Star. But so what? He's not going to tell you his 
     life story, he's going to fix your pipes.'' Garcia shrugged, 
     as his wife continued to inform us of his endless humility. 
     It clearly wasn't recognition that drove him. It was 
     something greater. It was the bond between men serving their 
     country. When he had left the Army, it called to him, and 
     finally--called him back. He is a man in his element. He 
     doesn't need to brag. He just serves.--Ross Van de Kop

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