[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6314]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues 
to join me in congratulating the 2009-2010 Congressional Youth Advisory 
Council. This year 45 students from public, private, and home schools 
in grades 9 through 12 made their voices heard and made a difference in 
their communities, their country and their Congress. These students 
volunteered their time, effort, and talent to inform me about the 
important issues facing their generation. As young leaders within their 
communities and their schools, these students boldly represent the 
promise and the hope we all have for their very bright future.
  President Ronald Reagan said, ``Freedom is never more than one 
generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in 
the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for 
them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling 
our children and our children's children what it was once like in the 
United States where men were free.''
  To ensure that the blessing of freedom is passed from one generation 
to the next, the members of the CYAC spent time interviewing a veteran 
and documenting the experience for the ``Preserving History Project.'' 
Today I'm proud to submit the brief summaries provided so the patriotic 
service of our dedicated veterans and the thoughtful work of the CYAC 
may be preserved for antiquity in the Congressional Record. A copy of 
each submitted student summary follows.
  To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, thank you 
for making this year and this group a success. It is not a coincidence 
that this congressional tribute celebrates two generations of service. 
Each of you is trusted with the precious gift of freedom.
  You are the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and 
God bless America.

       In the Veteran's Interview Project, I have gained insight 
     and knowledge on the topic of America's veterans. My uncle, 
     George Vacek, was drafted into the service and joined the 
     Marine Corps. He was assigned to the artillery unit as a 
     radio operator. He entered the service as a private and 
     completed his tour of duty as a corporal. He fought the 
     campaign in Vietnam and then was transferred to Cuba. I 
     discovered through my interview with him, the trials and 
     rewards of military service. While in the service, he endured 
     hardships, witnessed the evils of war, overcame obstacles, 
     developed discipline, and yet he came away with the 
     fulfillment that he gained a greater respect for himself and 
     his country.
       This project was beneficial to me in that I realized what 
     it would be like to walk in a soldier's shoes. Americans 
     support our servicemen, both here and abroad, but yet have 
     absolutely no clue of what it's really like to be there. My 
     in-depth conversation with my Uncle enlightened me on his 
     journey. In concluding this interview, I realized that our 
     soldiers are true patriots who are sacrificially putting 
     themselves in harm's way to forever protect our freedoms.--
     J'Lynn Vacek.

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