[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6454]
[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

                        Tuesday, April 27, 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.
  The summary follows:

       The person I interviewed was Mr. Vance Miller, a past 
     Captain of the United States Air Force. This person 
     accomplished everything. Once he got back from service, he 
     became a better person and a better leader. Mr. Miller gets 
     respect and the care he needs for what he does every day as a 
     businessman for his company. Once I walked into his office, 
     everyone gave him respect and spoke to him with such care 
     that could not be described. What I gained from this 
     interview is to look at life as more than what you see right 
     at first sight. When I spoke with Mr. Miller, he really made 
     me think of what it is like to give your life up for your 
     country and for the people you serve. Once I was finished he 
     made me think about life a lot more. Life is more than just 
     what is inside the box, it is about what you make of it and 
     how much you put into it. Finally, I admire Mr. Miller 
     tremendously for what he has done for this great nation and 
     the people in it.--Elliott Polanchyck

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