[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5379-5381]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MAKES A DIFFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when you think of the leaders 
of the future--what qualities come to mind? Civic activism? Community 
awareness? Personal leadership? Academic excellence? It is a privilege 
to recognize the members of the 2005-2006 Congressional Youth Advisory 
Council because they embody these qualities and more.
  For the last 2 years, the members of the Congressional Youth Advisory 
Council have represented the young people of the Third District well by 
working as ambassadors of the future. Several times a year the members 
of the Youth Council would share a valuable youth perspective on the 
current issues before Congress. This year 42 students from public, 
private, and home schools in grades 10 through 12 made their voices 
heard and made a difference to Congress.
  For the first time, this year there was a philanthropy element to the 
Youth Council. For the community service project, the members of the 
Youth Council reached out to veterans and encouraged them to share 
their stories. Called the ``Preserving History Project,'' each member 
had to interview a veteran. Then the student had to submit a lengthy 
paper detailing the veteran's service and sharing what the student 
learned from that experience. The students submitted a summary of their 
work. Today I'm proud to submit the briefs provided so the hard and 
valuable work of the Youth Council may be preserved for antiquity in 
the Congressional Record.
  Someday, each member will be able to share with children and 
grandchildren--``In high school I served my community and my work will 
always be recognized in the official Congressional Record.''
  A copy of each submitted student summary follows.

       To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, 
     thank you for your time, effort and sacrifice to help make 
     the Congressional Youth Advisory Council a success. You're 
     the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and 
     God bless America.
       I was thankful for my list of questions as my Grandpa 
     (William Frank Morgan) began relating his military 
     experiences to me. I learned about his life, sacrifices, and 
     service. He was a Seaman First Class in the Navy, and later a 
     Senior Master Sergeant when he retired from the Air Force. 
     This opportunity to talk with him and hear his story has 
     strengthened our relationship, and I'm so thankful for this 
     chance to glean more knowledge about my family. Grandpa and 
     Grandma Morgan visit once a year at Thanksgiving and I always 
     look forward to their arrival. Reconnection through our talks 
     and the time we spend together has become more precious each 
     year. We also try to visit them, and keep in touch through 
     phone calls and letters. Surprisingly, although Grandpa is 
     not talkative, he will sporadically crack the funniest jokes. 
     He is a good example in studying the Bible and desiring a 
     life of a Godly character. He has a talented green thumb, and 
     I enjoy stepping into his untidy greenhouse to watch him care 
     for his healthy plants. When he isn't gardening, Grandpa 
     spends time among his books, or checking the weather for the 
     coming week. Grandpa's traveling, distance from loved ones, 
     disrupted education, interesting experiences with food, and 
     dangerous challenges have molded his character and 
     sacrificially ensured the freedoms and safety Americans enjoy 
     today.--Meredith Morgan
       A native of Elmira, New York, William Stone, Jr. served in 
     the U.S. Army for two years as an officer stationed in 
     Germany. There he was assigned as a motor officer responsible 
     for CMMI's beginning in 1967. Stone entered the Army as a 2nd 
     lieutenant and reached the rank of 1st lieutenant prior to 
     returning to civilian life. After working for several years 
     as an insurance adjuster in New York, Stone moved to Texas, 
     where he and his wife have been teaching in the Plano 
     Independent School District.
       As a result of this interview, I was able to gain insight 
     into the role of our nation's military. Mr. Stone, like many 
     others, is among those who have helped safeguard the freedoms 
     we enjoy in the United States. Listening to his experiences 
     has allowed me to better understand the sacrifices the men 
     and women of the military have made on our behalf.--Albert 
     Chang
       Joe McAnally is a great man. He is my neighbor, who I have 
     known for about four

[[Page 5380]]

     years, and is very active, knowledgeable and helpful. His 
     tour doesn't even seem to have affected him in any adverse 
     way. He was born, raised and still lives in the Dallas area. 
     He chose to be in the Army R.O.T.C. because he knew, since 
     his birthday was 12th on the draft list, he would have to 
     serve anyway. Since he was already an officer his enlistment 
     and boot camp were an easier transition, and since his family 
     knew he was going to be drafted, they supported him fully. He 
     served in the Vietnam War and had to find his own way, 
     because he landed at midnight when everyone was asleep. He 
     earned two Bronze Stars, the third highest medal in the 
     service. His food was good, especially the food mailed from 
     home, except for the mutton. His platoon was well supplied 
     and was entertained by Bob Hope once. On leave he went to 
     Thailand and Australia. When he returned home he was offered 
     his old job back, got married and eventually bought a 
     business making plastic molds, which he still owns and runs 
     to this day.--Elliot Post
       I interviewed Mr. Spencer Guimarin, a retired first class 
     petty officer in the United States Navy. Mr. Guimarin 
     surmounted obstacles in his life that most men would consider 
     their worst fear. He survived the first wave of D-Day 
     landings at Omaha Beach, the invasion of Okinawa, and every 
     other confrontation that war threw his way. I have read books 
     and seen movies and documentaries about Okinawa and D-Day, 
     but to actually have the chance to sit down and talk with 
     someone that was there was an experience I will never forget. 
     The movies just don't do it justice. I was excited when I 
     heard that we were going to have the chance to do a project 
     like this, and I couldn't wait to get started. It was a 
     humbling experience hearing his stories, yet not being able 
     to appreciate it for what it is worth because I was not 
     there. I learned about the lasting effects a war can have on 
     a veteran. As I will be entering Merchant Marine Academy in 
     July of 2006 and hope to pursue a career in the military, I 
     realize that I may be faced with some of the same 
     repercussions.--Doug Hermann
       For my Preserving History project, I interviewed Lieutenant 
     Colonel Charles Beck. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, 
     serving as a jet fighter pilot in the Air Force. He flew 
     reconnaissance and bombing missions over North Vietnam, 
     tracking enemy base movement, taking surveillance pictures, 
     and calling and participating in air strikes. He was deployed 
     for three years. Survival rate for his fighter group was less 
     than 50%, but Lt. Beck made it through the war without ever 
     being captured by enemy forces. For his service to our 
     country, Lt. Beck was awarded 27 medals, including a Silver 
     Star.
       I found it interesting how a man from such humble 
     beginnings pursed a passion for flying. He served heroically 
     during major combat operations. His pride and his service to 
     our country and his love for the United States have helped me 
     understand the important role that our veterans have played 
     in preserving the freedoms we enjoy in America. I think that 
     it is very important that we capture our veteran's stories so 
     that we have documented history of not only their military 
     service, but of the values that led them to serve their 
     country so honorably.--Jocelyn Sedlet
       For my veteran project, I interviewed Robert L. Staib, 
     former Captain in the United States Air Force. By the end of 
     his service, he had fought in the Vietnam War and the Cold 
     War as a fighter pilot and a forward air controller. He 
     received a Distinguished Flying Cross, seventeen Air Medals, 
     and Air Force Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, 
     a Vietnam Service Medal, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit 
     Award Ribbon. He flew in over at least sixteen countries. He 
     was brave and courageous in all his endeavors. From this 
     project, I learned what a hero really is. I learned that my 
     grandfather is a hero because he was willing to sacrifice his 
     life for the freedom of people he didn't even know. I also 
     learned about the deep love he felt for my grandmother and 
     mother. Most importantly, I learned that heroes don't just do 
     great things, they do them with great motives. If my 
     grandfather had gone into the service for glory, he would not 
     have been a hero. He went into the Air Force knowing he might 
     die, because he wanted to preserve and spread freedom, a 
     freedom that I sometimes take for granted. This is a freedom 
     that must be fought for. This project taught me about Robert 
     L. Staib and about my freedom.--Britney Thomas
       What I gained from this interesting interview was not just 
     another few hours spent, but an insightful and rather 
     intriguing conversation with the most well versed person I 
     know, Mr. John Neese. Beginning as a private, Mr. Neese 
     escalated to the height of full colonel. He became a very 
     outspoken individual during the interview, however his 
     personal anecdotes and stories kept me asking for more. His 
     impact on the conflict in Vietnam may have been easily 
     overlooked, however, his objectives and goals at dropping 
     leaflets and speaking in an ultimately ``fire arm free'' 
     duty, was an amazing opportunity, as well as daily routine as 
     a member of the U.S. Air Force. He gained a new insight as to 
     how he could survive in a ``dog eat dog society.'' By simply 
     joining the Air Force, he received tools he could use the 
     rest of his life--tools that are hardly apparent in everyday 
     Americans. What I gained from the interview was a new friend. 
     A new friend that thinks the same way I do. A man that stands 
     for God and represents his country to the fullest.--Bryan 
     Blair
       Around the first of the year, my mom introduced me to Lt. 
     Colonel Kirk Chandler, a den leader in my younger brother's 
     Cub Scout pack. His military service in the Navy spanned 
     fourteen years from May 1991, to his retirement in October 
     2005. With many veterans you find battle-hardiness seeping in 
     them, and an unwillingness to recount their combat tales. 
     With Mr. Chandler, I found a laid back former soldier who was 
     quite positive in his descriptions of his time in the 
     service. Although he didn't do anything extraordinary in the 
     field of battle, I feel his accomplishments lie in the 
     soldiers he inspired, and in the connections he still 
     maintains to this day with the people that he served with.
       In interviewing Mr. Chandler, I was given a whole new 
     dimension with regards to the military. In talking to him, I 
     found someone who experienced much in the realm of the 
     world--someone who's traveled around the world, meeting new 
     people and new cultures. I learned how one enjoys life even 
     in the toughest of times. In meeting Mr. Chandler, I met the 
     embodiment of an American hero and a true stand up guy who 
     serves the community with pride.--Adam Rosenfield
       I interviewed Marvin Alan Sternberg who was a part of the 
     Army during the Vietnam War. He started as a private and 
     ended as a 1st Lieutenant when his service ended. Mr. 
     Sternberg gained a lot from his experience in the Army, but 
     the biggest lesson that he was taught and forced into was 
     growing up and becoming a man.
       After interviewing Mr. Sternberg, I realize how much a 
     person can go through just for the protection of others. It 
     amazes me how someone like Mr. Sternberg can dedicate part of 
     their life so selflessly in order to protect their country 
     and fellow citizens that are totally unknown to them. I have 
     always had a respect for veterans, but now, after this 
     interview, I have a different kind of respect for all of 
     those men and women who have served in our country. There is 
     something special about people that go into the service, and 
     I have come to find that it is people like that that I look 
     up to and admire. It all has become a reality to me, because 
     I actually heard what happens behind the scenes and what they 
     really go through instead of a sugarcoated testimony that we 
     hear in school or out of a textbook. I'm so thankful that Mr. 
     Sternberg took time out of his day to sit down, talk, and 
     explain to me his experiences he faced during his journey. 
     This is an experience that I will treasure forever, because I 
     learned firsthand how veterans are affected by war. Thank you 
     for giving me the opportunity to participate in this 
     preserving history project.--Kristy MacDonnell
       In my interview with my grandfather, Thomas Dale Alexander, 
     Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), I learned quite a 
     few things about why he does things the way he does and all 
     sorts of things that I never knew about my mother's family. 
     He is a much wiser man than the young high school graduate 
     that joined the Air Force in 1943. He served in the 
     occupation of Japan, fought in Korea, worked with the FAA for 
     a while, fought in Vietnam, and retired after commanding a 
     supply squadron. His plane was shot up badly three times in 
     Korea, but he did always manage to fly home--feats for which 
     he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses. In 
     Vietnam, he commanded a squadron of Forward Air Controllers, 
     who interfaced with the troops on the ground and marked 
     targets for the fighter-bombers with smoke rockets. After he 
     retired, he moved to Junction, Texas, to build a house by the 
     Llano River and was hired as Director of Operations at the 
     Texas Tech Center in Junction, now called Texas Tech at 
     Junction. After he retired for the second time, he continued 
     to keep up with the hobbies he had started in the Air Force, 
     like playing golf and building.--Evan Dale Wise
       While his time in the Army was limited to the Postal 
     Services, my grandfather, Charles Wallander Junior, was an 
     excellent soldier who defined the traits of discipline, 
     diligence, and obedience. At the completion of his military 
     work my grandfather obtained the rank of Corporal in the 
     Army, and was awarded with the mark of excellence in the Post 
     Office. Through his work with the Army Post Office, my 
     grandfather was a key factor in organizing the Korean mail 
     infrastructure, and allowing for the Postal Service to 
     function, in his post as Postmaster General. From this 
     experience I can undoubtedly say that I have gained a sense 
     of unmatched pride in my grandfather and all he has done for 
     this country and the world. My appreciation for him is only 
     matched by my respect for the Armed Forces at large, and my 
     gained trust in the American way that helps to guide this 
     country.--Andrew Schreiber
       Stanley S. Malewicki was drafted into the United States 
     Army at the age of 19 at the outset of the Second World War. 
     After leaving his home in New York, he received five months 
     of training before deploying to Oxford where he remained for 
     two more months until the invasion of France. Private

[[Page 5381]]

     Malewicki entered Normandy at D-Day plus three along with the 
     204th Combat Engineering Battalion and General Patton's third 
     Army. For the greater part of his service, Malewicki and his 
     unit where tasked with transporting infantry and vehicles 
     across the rivers of France and Germany. Whether by boat or 
     portable bridge, they always got the job done despite fierce 
     opposition. During his time in the service, Pvt. Malewicki 
     earned a Purple Heart and several campaign medals. After the 
     war was over, he got married and had two children. He also 
     went on to become a supervisor for the Long Island Lighting 
     Company (LILCO). Mr. Malewicki says that he did not mind 
     being drafted one bit, and the United States of America is 
     one great country. After completing this interview, I have 
     gained knowledge of my grandfather I had never expected to 
     experience. To fully understand the nature of war, you have 
     to see it through the eyes of someone that was actually in 
     the arena.--Erik De Sousa
       The veteran I interviewed is my uncle, Matthew Hancock. The 
     branch that he served in was the U.S. Army. His initial rank 
     was Private, and his finishing rank was CW3. Most of the work 
     he did during his service to this country revolved around 
     weapons specialty. He was living in Davenport, Iowa, which 
     was his hometown, at the time that he signed up for the 
     military. Mr. Hancock served in the military for over 20 
     years, and fought in both Iraqi Wars: Operation Desert Storm 
     and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He chose to serve in the 
     military because he felt the military offered the best 
     opportunity for him, and he had always wanted to be in the 
     Army since he was young. He accomplished a great deal during 
     his impressive span of service, winning several medals, 
     including three bronze stars. I am very glad for having done 
     this interview, for it has given me a much more indepth 
     understanding of what our soldiers go through in order to 
     protect the rest of us. Before this, I mostly knew general 
     things, but now what I know is much more specific.--Jordan 
     Schmittou

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