[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1734-E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MAGNUS JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TODD C. YOUNG

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2015

  Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor Magnus Johnson for 
his service to his country and community.
  Johnson is a veteran of the United States Army and a former Green 
Beret, completing consecutive tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. 
Johnson's record of service included work with Improvised Explosive 
Devices (IEDS) and Unexploded Ordinances which garnered him a Bronze 
Star; moreover, Johnson's service overseas earned him a Combat Medal.
  Following Johnson's final tour, he was struck with grief when a close 
friend and fellow service member committed suicide in 2013. Johnson's 
personal experience with suicide led him to create ``Elder Heart,'' an 
organization dedicated to healing. His organization strives to repair 
the divide between veteran and civilian by encouraging both to engage 
in projects that enhance the community. Elder Heart's approach led to 
the creation of public art; a sculpture built by veterans and civilians 
in Nashville, Indiana which highlights Elder Heart's hands-on approach 
to a veteran's healing process.
  Moreover, Johnson aims to raise awareness of veterans who commit 
suicide--twenty-two every day--through social media, magazine and 
newspaper advertisements, and other forms of media. Coined ``Mission 
22,'' Johnson hopes to educate the public about the plight of some of 
our service members. Elder Heart is currently planning to construct a 
national memorial to bring attention to suicide among America's 
veterans.
  Johnson's work has not kept him from being a loyal husband and 
father. He hopes his 6-year-old daughter and newborn son will come to 
know the sacrifice of America's veterans.
  I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Johnson on a number of 
occasions and can speak without hesitation to his ethical character and 
his dedication to his brothers-and-sisters in arms. It is a privilege 
to award him with Congressional Commendation, and ensure his story is 
preserved for future generations.

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