[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4345-4347]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO THIRD DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, last fall I invited high 
school students living in the Third Congressional District to join the 
Congressional Youth Advisory Council. The goal of the CYAC is to foster 
civic involvement and to encourage students to unleash their passions 
for America. Each meeting, they exceed my expectations and make me 
hopeful for the future.
  The students who serve on the CYAC represent the best and the 
brightest in north Texas. Students are leaders, athletes, musicians, 
volunteers, and activists. They are the voice of their generation to 
Congress. They make a difference at each meeting, and I'm proud of 
them.
  For this year's community project, students interviewed a veteran and 
wrote essays. A summary of some of the submitted essays follows.
  It is my hope that some day the Congressional Youth Advisory Council 
will be associated with excellence and one of our highest standards of 
civic pride for young people in north Texas. I commend the students for 
volunteering their time on the Congressional Youth Advisory Council. 
Without a doubt, every student will continue to play an important role 
in our community for decades to come, and America and north Texas will 
continue to benefit from their dedication, smarts, and service.
  To the members of the 2007-2008 Congressional Youth Advisory Council. 
Thank you. I salute you; God bless you and God bless America.

       I interviewed Mr. Keith Fannon. He served in the United 
     States Air Force. His beginning rank was just a basic airman, 
     but he was able to rise all the way up being a Staff Sergeant 
     when he finished his time of service. He served in the Korean 
     War. Mr. Fannon may not have seen too much on the battlefield 
     in itself, but he performed search and rescue missions for 
     airmen who had been shot down through the Civil Air Patrol 
     (CAP), helped civilians in need in Korea, and had been 
     through six major offensives during his service time. Mr. 
     Keith Fannon has been a family friend for about four years 
     now, and I've solely gotten to know him for the person he is 
     today. To be able to learn of Mr. Fannon's past in the Air 
     Force, though, was a fascinating experience. It gave me more 
     insight to Mr. Fannon as a whole, and I enjoyed every bit of 
     it. Having the ability to learn even more about a friend, a 
     veteran, and America's history from a first-person point of 
     view all at the same time was mind-blowing. I would like to 
     thank Mr. Keith Fannon and the Congressional Youth Advisory 
     Council for giving me such a great opportunity.--Patrick 
     Foster
       For the Veteran's History project, I interviewed retired 
     Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas, the most decorated Army 
     officer of the 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry 
     Regiment. Lt. Col. Megellas and his regiment fought through 
     Europe in World War II from January 1943 to the end of the 
     war in 1945, and were welcomed home to a victory parade in 
     New York on January 12, 1946. He led his men as a Platoon 
     Leader in many famous battles, including the Battle of the 
     Bulge, Operation Market Garden, and the battle for Anzio, and 
     he eventually participated in the American occupation of 
     Berlin. Interviewing such an influential and heroic veteran 
     truly affected my life in an undeniable and poignant way. 
     Though Lt. Col. Megellas said that he does not agree with 
     those who call him part of the ``greatest generation,'' 
     getting the chance to interview him reminded me that 
     unbelievable heroism, valor, and selflessness can still exist 
     in the face of a world where people's worth is often judged 
     by their money and power in society. Whether he agrees with 
     me or not. I believe that soldiers like Lt. Col. Megellas, 
     including the brave men and women fighting in the military 
     for America today, are the greatest of any generation in 
     American history. As Lt. Col. Megellas put it, ``We're 
     blessed in many ways, but not more so than the quality of the 
     young men and women who will step forward whenever we're been 
     in trouble. They are the best of this generation.''--Stephen 
     Hayes
       Howard Montfort, known to all his friends as Dusty, was 
     born in Carrolton, Texas and has lived in Texas all his life, 
     except for his time of service. He was originally drafted in 
     1966, but was unable to comply with his draft notice due to 
     an infection of viral encephalitis. After recovering, he was 
     given pardon and transferred from Texas A&M, where he had 
     been going to school, to NTSU. There he was drafted a second 
     time, but decided instead to visit the school's recruiter to 
     join a program which allowed him to finish school while 
     training for the Air Force. Dusty entered the Air Force in 
     1969, flying the infamous B-52. After joining the Vietnam 
     Conflict, he quickly rose from Second Lieutenant to Aircraft 
     Commander, and flew numerous Tours for a total of 141 combat 
     missions. Dusty received the Air Medal and seven Oak Leaf 
     clusters during his service. In addition, he was awarded the 
     Distinguished Flying Cross in December 1972 for ``Heroism or 
     extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial 
     flight.''
       In March of 1974, Dusty left the service after flying for 
     five years. He is now married to Gila Montfort, his wife of 
     thirty-eight years. Together, they have a son, Steven 
     Montfort, who lives in Los Angeles and works as an actor. By 
     conducting this interview, I have heard first-hand the 
     experiences of an American veteran. These people have served 
     our country. They have died to pay for our freedom, and I had 
     the opportunity to speak to one of them. In addition, I 
     learned more about the Vietnam Conflict than I previously 
     knew, I am extremely thankful for the experience.--Weston 
     Barker
       Mr. Billie Bob Norris proudly served as a Corporal in the 
     United States Marine Corps for 19 months during the Korean 
     War. He was a member of the First Marine Air Wing, Fleet 
     Marine Force, Marine Air Group 12, Service Squadron 1. During 
     that time, he was stationed in the frigid area of Wonsan, 
     North Korea, shortly after its liberation by the South Korean 
     forces. He then joined with the K27 Yonpo Airdrome as they 
     went to Hamhung-Hungnam as part of the ``Frozen Chosin'' or 
     ``Chosin Few.'' He was also stationed in Pusan, South Korea, 
     and later

[[Page 4346]]

     worked as a radio-radar technician in Japan for the duration 
     of his service. Mr. Norris currently holds a bachelor's 
     degree in industrial art, a master's degree in secondary 
     school administration, and a specialist degree in vocational 
     education. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign 
     Wars (VFW) and lives in Frisco, Texas with his wife, Armetha.
       Throughout the process of writing this essay I have earned 
     both a greater respect for this Nation's veterans and a 
     greater understanding of one war in our country's history 
     that is, sadly, looked over by many people. The United 
     States' veterans have gone through experiences that neither I 
     nor anyone in my generation can truly begin to imagine. And 
     for that, we can never thank our troops, both past and 
     current, enough.--Ashley Newton
       Lloyd was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 10, 
     1923. At age 11, his family moved to Peacedale, Rhode Island. 
     Some seven or so years later Lloyd voted for his first 
     presidential candidate, Harry S. Truman, for his second term. 
     Then in the November of his nineteenth year, he enlisted in 
     the Navy. He was a payroll officer, and a soldier. When it 
     was necessary, as it was for the Japanese invasion, the 
     payroll was to be set down, and they would fight with the 
     rest of the outfit. When the war was ended, Lloyd decided to 
     stay in the army, and was assigned to Okinawa. Soon 
     thereafter, he sent for Dorothy and their fourteen month-old 
     daughter, Carol. When they arrived, it was the first time 
     Lloyd had ever seen Carol. In January of 1951, he was called 
     to active duty and was stationed at the Air Force base in 
     Miami. Although he was still a payroll officer, his outfit 
     supported the troops in Japan facing Korea. Lloyd retired 
     from military service on a Sunday in 1965 as a senior master 
     sergeant, and began work at the PANTEX Ordnance Plano the 
     very next morning in Amarillo, Texas. He retired from his job 
     in 1986. Lloyd died on February 24th, 2008, in the center of 
     a circle of family members. This project came at the perfect 
     time. I may have missed my chance to learn about him had I 
     not conducted this interview. There was an opportunity for 
     closure, and I'm beginning to see how quickly we are losing 
     the WWII generation.--Bethany Johnston
       For the Preserving History project I interviewed Sergeant 
     Quentin Higgins. Higgins served as a tank commander in World 
     War II throughout England, North Africa, and Italy and 
     earning several medals. In addition, he has written a memoir, 
     reached the age of ninety years old, and blessed the lives of 
     many people. Through this experience I have learned more 
     about the dedication of our military to preserve our liberty 
     in the United States that can often be taken for granted. I 
     was initially stunned and amazed that the man I was speaking 
     to went through intense front line combat in World War II and 
     lived to tell about it at ninety years old. While I had read 
     and heard second hand about World War II stories, the reality 
     of the events and experiences of the soldiers came alive in 
     my mind when I spoke with Mr. Higgins. I have acquired a 
     greater appreciation for our troops who sacrifice their lives 
     daily for their country and a deeper comprehension of the 
     traumas of war. Most importantly I gained a fuller 
     gratefulness as Higgins stated ``appreciate life and count 
     your blessings.''--Stephanie Tison
       I had the pleasure of interviewing Lieutenant Colonel 
     Bernard Aikens, formerly of the United States Army, on 29 
     February 2008, at his office in Plano Fast Senior High 
     School. He provided me with his personal history, from his 
     many academic achievements in high school, his introduction 
     to the military during college, and some of his more 
     memorable experiences as an officer in the United States 
     Army. I have also had the opportunity to work with Lieutenant 
     Colonel Aikens for the past four years, and I have found him 
     to be a great example for the students he leads, and very 
     helpful in my own pursuit of goals for the future, as well as 
     instrumental in the roads to success for several other 
     students, my peers, and those who have gone before. His life 
     has been and continues to be one of dedicated and energized 
     service to those around him, to his community. and to his 
     country.--David Paxman
       For my Preserving History: Veteran's Interview. I am 
     honored to have received the opportunity to interview Wesley 
     C. Browning. This remarkable individual served in the Iraq 
     War for a nine month period. He was titled as a civilian and 
     worked with the Hazardous Material Management in Baghdad, 
     Iraq. Mr. Browning conquered many challenging obstacles and 
     accomplished well respected goals. He faced the boot camp, 
     bombings, and hardships like the hero he truly represents. 
     During the time he spent in Iraq, his primary task was to 
     assist the soldiers so they could concentrate on defending 
     their country. Mr. Browning dealt with the contamination of 
     foods after battle and vermin localized around the camp. He 
     handled weapons, bomb materials, and fought adjacent to the 
     soldiers while participating in the war. Mr. Browning has 
     gained a wide breadth of experience from joining the Iraq 
     War. He not only has made lifelong friendships, but has 
     learned about the various cultures and traditions in other 
     parts of the world.
       I have the utmost respect for anyone that risks their life 
     to defend their country. Conversing with Mr. Browning has 
     allowed me to gain an innovative view of the world and our 
     society. Hearing him discuss passionately his values and 
     morals was very impressive and refreshing. I have learned 
     from this war hero that the materialistic side of life is 
     submissive to the people and relationships present and 
     nothing is worth being taken for granted.--Ally Crutcher
       Non-commissioned Officer Josh Bomar joined the United 
     States Marine Corps to find discipline and focus. Bomar 
     served two terms of seven months each in Iraq. The Marines 
     protected, patrolled, and regulated the areas. Bomar's 
     assignments were gunner, who lies on top of the humvee and 
     shoots a machine gun, and vehicle commander, who is in charge 
     of an entire humvee. Bomar's family was very encouraging, 
     both extending and immediate family supported his decision to 
     join the service. Bomar is now attending the University of 
     Texas at Dallas where he is studying criminology. Bomar's 
     military experiences has made him more confident. Becoming a 
     Marine has given Bomar the tools to do better in his life. He 
     now has the discipline to accomplish everything he wants to 
     in the future. Bomar feels fortunate to have been part of the 
     United States Marine Corps and is thankful for all the 
     opportunities he has been given.
       By interviewing Josh Bomar, I have gained a better 
     understanding of how joining the service can change your 
     life. This opportunity allowed me to learn about the daily 
     life of soldiers and the realities of combat during the war. 
     I admire the courageous men and women who sacrifice their 
     lives to protect our country.--Emily Buss
       Command Sergeant Major Robert F. Donahue epitomizes 
     everything it means to be a proud American. Even after two 
     tours of duty in Vietnam and another in Iraq, he loves to 
     share his experiences and wisdom gained from his time in the 
     military. People are always trying to find someone who can be 
     a great role model for today's young people, CSM Donahue is 
     exactly that. Born into a military family with a career 
     soldier for a father and a World War II nurse for a mother. 
     CSM Donohue was born in North Carolina. He moved many times 
     during his early life and spent most of his high school life 
     in Lawton, Oklahoma. Growing up in Lawton. CSM Donahue didn't 
     know a life other than the one he was living, of military 
     orientation, very regimented and discipline oriented. Prior 
     to his last year of high school, the Tet Offensive happened 
     in Vietnam. Once he graduated from high school, he enlisted 
     in the Marine Corps, heading off to Vietnam for ten months on 
     separate tours of duty. After Vietnam, he stayed in the army 
     reserve up until his time in Iraq. I gained many things from 
     my experience interviewing CSM Donahue.--Michael Buss
       I chose to do my biography on Matthew Edward Rice, my dad. 
     In August 1981, at nineteen years old he went to Basic 
     Training at Ft. Gordon. He then went to AIT where he learned 
     to be a Telephone Switchboard Technician, and then he was 
     stationed in Darmstadt, Germany in May of 1982 with the C Co. 
     44th Signal Battalion. He then received orders to go back to 
     Ft. Gordon for new advanced digital telephone switch 
     training. He was then assigned to Ft. Bragg with orders to 
     the 327th Signal BN. However, he was transferred to B Co. 
     50th Signal BN, for the liberation of Grenada. He was 
     reassigned to A Co. 327th Signal BN. My dad went to Germany 
     in 1984 and attended Primary Leadership Development Course. 
     He then was transferred to the 17th Signal BN. He then 
     returned to Ft. Gordon as an Instructor. His last assignment 
     was with Headquarters Co. 304th Signal BN South Korea from 
     May of 1991 to June 1992. I have learned a lot about 
     dedication, hard work and responsibility from my father and 
     his stories of his time in the Army. My dad has instilled in 
     me the values that the military has instilled in him.--
     Allyson Rice
       Larry Lucido joined the Marine Corps. He began as a private 
     in the Marine Corps and ended his service as a Sergeant. 
     During his nine month tour of duty in the Korean War he saw a 
     lot of action and fought in several battles including the 
     battle of Chosin Reservoir where the Chinese entered the war 
     and surrounded the Marines until the Marines managed to break 
     out. He was awarded two Purple Hearts during his tour. The 
     first Purple Heart was awarded to him after he was shot in 
     the back. His second Purple Heart was awarded to him after he 
     went to go help one of his injured friends and he stepped on 
     a land mine that took off his leg. He also captured a North 
     Korean soldier than gave them information about the other 
     North Korean Troops in the area.
       From this experience I have gained a greater respect for 
     those who serve in our country's armed forces and fight to 
     keep this and other countries free. His service in the Marine 
     Corps is a great inspiration. How he was shot in the back and 
     lost his leg in the service of our country shows how high the 
     price of freedom can be and how we must respect those who 
     fight to protect it.--Brian Bruck
       My name is James Garrett Follette and I interviewed Captain 
     Ralph Peter ``Pete'' Langenfield on January 26, 2008. Pete 
     enlisted with the Air Force in the summer of

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     1942 and saw active duty in January 1943 as a 2nd lieutenant. 
     Pete was assigned to the 785th Bombardment Squadron of the 
     466th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Division stationed in 
     England as a bombardier for a B-24 Liberator. His last day of 
     service was on December 19, 1945. For two years, Pete also 
     flew B-29 Bombers during the Korean War. He held the rank of 
     Captain when he was discharged on April 14, 1951.
       On August 24, 2006 he received the Distinguished Flying 
     Cross with valor for his heroism on January 2, 1945. On his 
     31st combat mission over Remagen, Germany, one of the live 
     2,000-pound bombs on his B-24 Liberator did not release. Pete 
     removed his parachute and oxygen mask so he could move to the 
     open bomb bay and manually release the weapon. Interviewing 
     Captain Langenfeld has been an incredible experience. To 
     listen to the thrill and patriotism in his voice is 
     contagious. It makes one realize how important history is and 
     we do not want to lose these experiences.--Garrett Tollelle
       The tributes, memories, and lives of those who serve or 
     have served in the armed forces must be exalted and above all 
     else never forgotten. Thanks to this interview of United 
     States Marine Corps Major John Lauder, I have first hand 
     insight on the life of a true patriot. Major John Lauder went 
     from only a Cadet, to Captain, 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant 
     all the way to where he is now at Major. As I listened to the 
     memories and experience of Major Lauder, it occurred to me 
     the massive amount of courage, dedication, and perseverance 
     it takes to serve. As a marine he has served four tours of 
     duty thus far and is still an honorable member of the 
     Marines. It is to him I owe my understanding of the true 
     hardships that one must take on as a Marine. I hold people 
     like Major John Lauder responsible for my feelings of 
     security and pride in such a beloved country.
       The memories of our men in service and veterans are 
     important ones. They are memories that should not be lost. 
     These people have put their lives on the line and triumphed 
     over all odds. I proudly say that Major John Lauder is one of 
     these people. While serving, Major Lauder has truly excelled 
     as a Marine. earning awards such as Iraqi and Afghan campaign 
     medals as well as being decorated for valor. Not only those, 
     but he has also received the Global War on Terrorism Service 
     medal, expeditionary medals, along with a combat action 
     ribbon. Major John Lauder is a truly exemplary person and I 
     give thanks to God for people like him.--Amanda Dees
       Colonel James E. Gilliland grew up in a changing time 
     throughout the tides of war and peace. He entered the Air 
     Force as the Korean War had ended, but answered the call to 
     defend his country during the Vietnam War, flying 100 vital 
     reconnaissance missions over North and South Vietnam war 
     zones in a very short amount of time. The dangerous missions 
     which he completed helped to contribute to the key strategies 
     during the war, saving countless American lives. Throughout 
     his tour in enemy skies, he was a highly decorated RF-4C 
     pilot in the United States Air Force, which includes the 
     Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 
     Bronze Star and Air Medals. Even after his combat tours in 
     Vietnam, Colonel Gilliland continued to hold senior command 
     and staff positions in Saigon, Hawaii, Colorado, Texas, 
     England, and eventually Belgium. Not only was this man a hero 
     throughout his career with the Air Force, but he is also my 
     grandfather, a man I hold in the highest regard. Hearing his 
     story, which even now is hard for him to tell, has helped me 
     to better understand just how much he has sacrificed for his 
     country.--Trevor Ede
       What Corbett Reagan accomplished was a 6 month tour (1990-
     1991) of duty in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm where he 
     specialized in anti-tank gunning. He was the recipient of the 
     Meritorious Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Citation, and the 
     Kuwait Liberation Medal. What I gained from this interview 
     experience was how committed Corporal Reagan was to his 
     country. It was part of his heart and soul to be a Marine and 
     serve our nation, particularly growing up in a military 
     family. I also was struck by the influence the Marines and 
     his overall service in Kuwait/Iraq during Operation Desert 
     Storm had in molding him into a man of character. Being in 
     the Marines shaped his life in many ways, particularly in 
     helping him understand the issues of life and death, 
     obtaining his education, the importance of family and 
     friends, as well as gaining an appreciation for what it means 
     to live in this great nation of ours.--Lauren Hill
       Lieutenant Colonel Richard Castle was born in 1946 in 
     Rochester, New York. His decision to join the Army was 
     voluntary but also influenced by his family. His grandfather 
     had served in the Navy during WWI while his own father had 
     been a captain in the air corp. Even his brother had served 
     in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Richard 
     served in the Vietnam War as a logistics officer. During his 
     entire military career. Richard reached the position of 5th 
     corp commander under a three star general. At the end of his 
     military career, he reached the position of lieutenant 
     colonel for his incredible service. The things I learned from 
     Lieutenant Colonel Richard Castle were so astounding and 
     intriguing. He seemed like a man who genuinely cared about 
     his country and had loved serving in the Army. It made me 
     gain a much greater appreciation for the men and women in the 
     service right now. Talking on the phone with him. I realized 
     how much of an ordinary person Mr. Castle was. Yet for him to 
     have done so much for the Army is absolutely amazing. His 
     story truly shows that anyone can serve the country and be an 
     inspiration.--Lisa Hu
       Colonel Vernon David Gores was born on December 27, 1929 in 
     Bisbee, North Dakota. He grew up exposed to the agricultural 
     environment of North Dakota, in addition to the small city 
     life of Fargo, North Dakota. Vern Gores graduated from North 
     Dakota State University with a degree in civil engineering in 
     1951. While there he attended ROTC, then entered the United 
     States Air Force as a second lieutenant and attended flight 
     school. Vern served in several capacities for the Air Force. 
     For most of his Air Force career, Vern served as a pilot for 
     transport (C-46) and reconnaissance aircraft (EC-121). He 
     also advised an ROTC unit. He held positions of operations 
     officer, commander advisor to the National Guard, and 
     inspector general. Vern lived across the nation and 
     internationally during his career. After North Dakota he 
     lived in Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois, Vermont, California, 
     Massachusetts, Florida, and Ohio. He also served in several 
     foreign countries: Japan, South Korea, Libya, Vietnam, and 
     Thailand. Vern served in the Korean conflict and Vietnam. He 
     remembers the Cuban Missile Crisis and the ``ongoing'' Cold 
     War.
       Vern retired from the Air Force at the rank of Full Colonel 
     in 1979 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio after 28 years of 
     service. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, 
     and Bronze Star recognitions. Today Colonel Gore lives in the 
     Villages of Lady Lake, Florida with his wife Colleen. They 
     have been married for more than fifty years. They have one 
     son, two daughters, and five grandchildren. His family is 
     very proud of his accomplishments. He served with untiring 
     effort, superior intellect, and uncompromising values of 
     honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The nation and our family 
     are fortunate to be associated with him.--Garrett McDaniel

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