[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 176 (Tuesday, October 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E951-E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING PAUL JOHNSON OF GREAT FALLS

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Paul Johnson 
of Great Falls for caring for his community on the front line and for 
the sacrifices he made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[[Page E952]]

  Paul Johnson loves his camper. His family bought their first one 10 
years ago so they could spend more time together making their own 
Montana moments. For Paul, his wife, and their four kids, camping is a 
huge part of their lifestyle, and they cherish their time together. But 
this year looked a little different for the Johnson camper. It served 
as a home for Paul as he worked at Benefis West campus to keep his 
patients and family safe from the coronavirus.
  Back in March, the Benefis Health System instituted a respiratory 
clinic for the sole purpose of treating COVID-19 patients. Paul was one 
of three commissioned physicians to oversee the clinic, putting him in 
direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Formerly a part of the U.S. Army 
Reserve and currently in the National Guard, it's in Paul's DNA to 
serve others.
  For nine weeks, Paul camped at the Benefis West campus and the local 
KOA campground, away from his wife and children. Paul says he had to do 
what was best for his family. His eldest son was home, about to be 
deployed to Afghanistan. His daughter also worked at a family ranch 
that had guests coming and going. Paul simply didn't want to jeopardize 
his family's health if he was an asymptomatic carrier.
  Paul is good at putting things in perspective, though. He says it 
certainly wasn't as bad as being deployed out of country. Still, the 
experience was emotionally and mentally draining, especially since 
there wasn't a clear light at the end of the tunnel. But to Paul, the 
easiest thing to do was grab the bull by the horns and take care of his 
patients.
  His family is very proud of him, and so am I.
  Living out of a camper in March with no heat wasn't easy. When it was 
below freezing, his water wouldn't run, so he used the hospital for a 
warm shower. Cooking for himself was a challenge. Paul says there were 
a lot of busy days and sleepless nights. To pass the time, he tied 
flies. When it wasn't cold, he was able to take a socially distant dog 
walk with his wife, but there was no hand-holding or kissing. Paul says 
that was one of the hardest parts.
  Many may ask, ``Why go to these lengths?'' For Paul, he was committed 
to treating his patients and serving his community in a time of need.
  Madam Speaker, for his outstanding service to country, for his 
dedication to family, and for his selfless, unwavering patient care, I 
recognize Paul Johnson of Great Falls for his Spirit of Montana.

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