[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 6600] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: A LEGACY OF SERVICE ______ HON. SAM JOHNSON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 28, 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: I spent an evening with Staff Sergeant (SSG) Efrain Garcia, a member of the Texas Army National Guard, recipient of a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal, currently serving his second term. That's right. A second term. You see, Staff Sergeant Garcia originally joined the U.S. Army when he was just a kid out of Grand Prairie High School, served seven years in the regular army, took a ten year break, and decided he missed the Army life so much, he reenlisted. SSG Efrain Garcia was a pleasant looking man, inoffensive in mannerism and he had a humble style of speaking. But, as he said best, ``The plumber working on your pipes could have a Silver Star. But so what? He's not going to tell you his life story, he's going to fix your pipes.'' Garcia shrugged, as his wife continued to inform us of his endless humility. It clearly wasn't recognition that drove him. It was something greater. It was the bond between men serving their country. When he had left the Army, it called to him, and finally--called him back. He is a man in his element. He doesn't need to brag. He just serves.--Ross Van de Kop. ____________________