[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MARK JOHNSON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETH VAN DUYNE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of a grateful 
Nation and the citizens of the 24th District of Texas. The 2025 
Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Specialist 
Mark Alan Johnson, United States Army, of North Richland Hills, Texas, 
for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of 
America and for his continued service to his community.
  Specialist Johnson served honorably in the United States Army from 
1974 to 1976 with Company C, 122nd Signal Corps, 2nd Infantry Division, 
stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. As a Radio, Teletype, and Morse 
Code Operator, he was recognized as one of the most skilled and 
dependable communications specialists in his unit. During the 
heightened alert that followed the 1976 ``Korean Axe Murder Incident,'' 
he played a vital role in maintaining morale and operational readiness 
as U.S. forces prepared for potential escalation. His dedication and 
leadership earned him the rank of Specialist 4 and the respect of both 
peers and superiors. His military decorations include the National 
Defense Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
  Following his military service, Specialist Johnson dedicated four 
decades to civil service with the Federal Highway Administration, 
General Services Administration, and Federal Aviation Administration, 
where his work in information technology helped streamline processes, 
save taxpayer dollars, and support thousands of federal employees 
nationwide. Stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, he played a 
key role in the recovery and support efforts for coworkers who survived 
the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing, providing both technical and 
personal assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.
  Beyond his career, Specialist Johnson has remained deeply engaged in 
community service and charitable work. As a member of the Gold Wing 
Road Riders Association and the Iron Butt Association, he has helped 
raise funds for organizations including The Salvation Army, Scottish 
Rite Children's Hospital, and programs supporting children in foster 
care. His compassion and generosity extend back to his service in South 
Korea, where he volunteered at a local orphanage for deaf children.
  Specialist Johnson's lifelong dedication to service across military, 
civil, and community spheres reflects the highest traditions of the 
United States Army and brings great credit upon himself, the State of 
Texas, and the United States of America.

                          ____________________