Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize before the United States House of Representatives an outstanding charitable organization--North Collin County Habitat for Humanity, (NCC-Habitat)--on the occasion of the Grand Opening of its new facility in McKinney, Texas. Incorporated in 1992, NCC-Habitat's mission is to ``work in partnership with God and His people to develop communities by enabling families to achieve the dream of homeownership with dignity.'' Over its nearly twenty years of service to the communities of northern Collin County, this organization has built 64 homes for families in need. Many of the resources required to complete these projects are donated to or funded by the McKinney ReStore. Habitat for Humanity operates over 900 ReStores throughout the United States and Canada. These facilities are retail outlets, open to the public, which sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, and other home decor items. The McKinney ReStore operated by NCC-Habitat has been so successful that it needed to expand. Today marks the first day of business at the ReStore's new 40,000 square foot facility. The building also houses NCC-Habitat's office space. On behalf of the people of the Third Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank the great folks of NCC-Habitat for helping to build our community. Congratulations on your new facility. God bless you, and I salute you!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. The President wants Congress to pass his $447 billion jobs plan. It really ought to be called Son of Stimulus, yet more spending and higher taxes, as the President's jobs plan proposes, won't get our economy moving in the right direction. It's just the same act, different day. It is time for our tax-and-spender-in-chief to stop pushing these failed policies and to start listening to the American people. With unemployment above 9 percent, we need to get Americans back to work by stopping out-of-control spending, by reforming our Tax Code, and by putting an end to the senseless job-killing regulations of this administration. Jobs are there. One example: Let's just drill for oil and gas. We simply cannot tax, spend, and borrow our way to prosperity.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Last year, illegal immigrants bilked $4.2 billion from U.S. taxpayers due to a loophole with the refundable child tax credit. According to a new report, this rampant abuse has cost American taxpayers billions. That's just wrong. It's time to close this loophole. That's why I've reintroduced the commonsense legislation, H.R. 1956, that stops the child tax credit sham. The bill requires tax filers to provide their Social Security number to receive that benefit. With the dire need to cut government spending, I hope this simple fix gets a serious look as a way to stamp out waste, fraud, and abuse. If you want to stop illegal immigrants from duping taxpayers for billions of dollars every year by fraudulently claiming this credit, call the White House at 202-456-1414. Tell them to pass this bill right now. Tell them that H.R. 1956 should be a top priority.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize before the United States House of Representatives today a group of over 100 American heroes, the members of the Korean War Veterans of America (KWVA) Chapter 270, on the occasion of the chapter's 10th anniversary. In June of 1950, North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea, sparking the start of the Korean War. Just days later, President Harry Truman ordered American troops deployed to the Korean peninsula to fight alongside our ally. Nearly 2 million valiant Americans served during the conflict. Yet, because of the war's end in 1953 through an armistice and its historical slot between World War II and Vietnam, many refer to Korea as the Forgotten War. In September of 2001, a number of Korean War veterans from the Dallas, Texas area joined forces to create a local organization which would ``provide a means by which the `Forgotten War' will never be forgotten.'' They have fulfilled that mission for a decade now, also working ``to respect and honor brothers-in-arms who served during the Korean Conflict and/or afterwards in Korea; to further friendship and respect between South Korea and the United States of America; and to serve fellow veterans in need of aid and assistance.'' The chapter's generous members conduct donation drives, repair veterans' wheelchairs and, by the end of this month, will have donated 5,000 hours of their time volunteering at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital this year alone. To my fellow members of KWVA Chapter 270, I consider it a high honor and true privilege to be a part of this first-rate organization. The fact that this group bears my name makes me proud--proud to be a veteran of Korea, proud to be a Texan, and proud to be an American. God bless you, God bless America, and I salute you!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the President wants Congress to raise the debt ceiling without a corresponding plan to cut spending and balance the budget and insists raising taxes is the only way forward. The reality is that doing so amounts to a Barack Obama bailout for his out-of-control spending that got us here in the first place: a bailout for his $1 trillion ObamaCare, a bailout for the failed stimulus, a bailout for ``Government Motors,'' a bailout for Fannie and Freddie. According to a new poll in Politico, voters expressed significantly more support for spending cuts, and only 11 percent of voters see tax hikes as the main way of closing the deficit. America has got it right: it's time to cut spending, balance the budget, and pay down the debt for our children and our grandchildren without raising taxes. Just say ``no'' to a Barack Obama bailout. Even his bailouts need a bailout.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the Third District of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. I salute these young men and women. The name and hometown of each appointee follows: Third Congressional District Service Academy Bound Students Class of 2015

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues and members of their staffs to attend a free musical event that will be held this afternoon (Tuesday, June 21, 2011) from 1:00- 2:00 p.m. on the West Front Lawn of the United States Capitol. This event will feature music performed by the David Pernell Ensemble as a preview to the Smithsonian's annual Folklife Festival. This year, one of the Folklife Festival themes is Rhythm and Blues: Tell It Like It Is. The 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will celebrate the people and culture of R & B music in the United States. R & B encompasses jump blues, soul, funk and more contemporary styles and is recognized throughout the world as one of the most identifiably American forms of popular music. The Festival program will explore the social and cultural history integral to the development of R & B and will present not only performances, but also conversations and discussions with some of the artists, songwriters, radio personalities, and others who have worked behind the scenes to produce the music. From June 30th-July 4 and from July 7-11, the Rhythm and Blues: Tell It Like It Is program will consist of two large covered stages on the National Mall and a smaller discussion/narrative stage, highlighting select styles associated with African American urban centers in the United States. Through performance and narrative presentations, Festival visitors will discover exciting connections between different forms of musical performance, social dance, the recording industry, and broadcast radio--all of which accompanied and contributed to shaping the musical heritage of R & B. The program is being produced in partnership between the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Folklife Festival, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. I encourage my colleagues and their staff to take a few minutes and enjoy some great R & B music today as a preview to the Smithsonian's 2011 Folklife Festival.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a 29-year Air Force veteran and a former Prisoner of War for nearly 7 years, more than half of that time in solitary confinement, it gives me great joy to request that the U.S. House of Representatives formally recognize and commemorate the 7th anniversary of the ``Welcome Home a Hero Program'' at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. I especially want to thank the kind folks at DFW, the North Texas Commission, and the USO for their efforts to recognize and show their appreciation to the brave men and women who serve our country. ``Welcome Home a Hero'' is a volunteer program to encourage and support our deployed military and greet troops at DFW International Airport as they return home for two weeks of R&R. Anywhere from 150 to 275 troops come through DFW each day, with one flight arriving daily and one flight departing daily. Volunteers gather each day to welcome these troops off their flight, thanking and encouraging them for their service to our great nation. This wonderful program started in the summer of 2004 when the U.S. military selected DFW to begin receiving the daily 20-hour flights from Kuwait. Once the flights began, grassroots groups, schools, churches, scouts and veterans organizations began to greet the troops on a daily basis. DFW fire trucks welcome every military charter on the runway with a ``shower of affection'' to begin the celebration. In fact, ``Welcome Home a Hero'' has greeted more than 1 million troops during the course of the program by dedicated volunteers who greet troops daily. I had the privilege of attending the one millionth warrior ceremony at DFW and let's just say that there wasn't a dry eye in the place. If you want to experience the best America has to offer--respect for freedom, gratitude for service and sacrifice and a deep, deep love of country--just head on down to Terminal D or Terminal B depending on the day. You'll witness the show of support from volunteers from across North Texas and the unbridled joy and emotional high of a family embracing a returning warrior. Cheerful and faithful patriots of all ages and stages wearing their finest red, white and blue attire show up so that they can let complete strangers who dedicate their lives to our armed forces know that we love them, we care about them, we pray for them and we appreciate them. You'll see humble veterans from wars gone by who know that freedom is not free. You'll meet Vietnam veteran Bert Brady who makes a point of ensuring that this generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines returns with honor and a warm welcome--unlike the men who came home from Vietnam. You'll feel a sweet embrace from the ``huggin' and kissin' grandmas'' who make it a habit of planting a big one on digi- cammie clad warriors. Each volunteer offers a sweet smile, a love of country and respect for service that truly welcomes home our troops with the way they deserve to be treated. As a combat veteran who witnessed the ultimate low for returning warriors from Vietnam, I made a promise to myself that when, not if, I escaped my captivity in Vietnam, I would do anything and everything in my power to treat our men and women of the United States Armed Forces with the respect and honor that they deserve. ``Welcome Home a Warrior'' is a shining example of that golden homecoming and showcases how much North Texans--and Americans--support our troops. If people across America find themselves traveling through DFW, I encourage them to call the R&R update line 972-574-0392 to learn of the next arrival ceremony and to see if they may participate in a truly heartwarming and uplifting welcome home celebration for our armed forces. They also may go to www.dfwairport.com/heroes. On this day, I respectfully request that the United States House of Representatives reaffirms our unwavering commitment to actively promote and support the ``Welcome Home a Hero Program'' and its invaluable importance to the morale and welfare of those men and women who serve our country. Make no mistake--America remains the land of the free because of the brave. God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our Nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Corbin Palmer, a United States Air Force Academy Appointee. Corbin is a graduate of Centennial High School and attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Corbin was involved in club gymnastics, and actively participated in Preparatory School leadership and in his church as a Priest Quorum Secretary. Corbin aspires to follow gymnastics through college and eventually enter into a medical career through the Air Force as a surgeon. Corbin also plans to become a fighter pilot for the Air Force. He hopes to continue strengthening his leadership abilities and character, and be challenged not just physically but mentally in the United States Air Force Academy.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Michael Roberto, a United States Military Academy Appointee. Michael is a graduate of Cistercian Preparatory School where he was highly involved in athletics, including being cross country varsity team captain, track team, soccer as a right forward, and football as a receiver and a cornerback. Michael is also the founder and president of his high school debate team, an officer in the Economics club, a writer for his school newspaper, and served on the Third District Congressional Youth Advisory Committee. Michael desired nothing more than to attend a United States Service Academy and become an officer in the military. Michael is not only interested in pursuing the superior education that an Academy will offer him, but he is also seeking the unrivaled development he will experience in becoming one of the best military officers his country deserves.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Kioumars Rezaie, a United States Merchant Marine Academy Appointee. Kioumars is a graduate of Plano West Senior High School where he played football, as well as soccer and served as the team captain. Simultaneously, Kioumars played select soccer and served as his team's captain. Kioumars was actively involved as a member of the Third District Congressional Youth Advisory Board, a JROTC commander, and the National Honor Society. He was also part of the American Legion Texas Boys State where he was a state delegate and was active at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in the Seven Loaves Food Pantry. Kioumars believes that the service academies require young men and women to have honor, courage, and commitment and looks forward to grooming those traits.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the Third District of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our Nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Amanda Rigsby, a United States Merchant Marine Academy Appointee. Amanda is a graduate of Plano East Senior High School in 2010 where she was active in varsity and select soccer. Amanda was involved in Plano Youth Ambassadors as a co-leader, Spanish Club, and Mock Trial as a witness roll, where she earned an award for best witness. She excelled academically in the International Baccalaureate Program and a member of the National Honor Society. She spent the last year at Southern Methodist University on a full scholarship and decided to change courses and apply to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Amanda is a well rounded young woman who has dreams to pursue an international career, to help people, and to make a difference. She recently stated, ``I appreciate my service obligations as opportunities as a Merchant Marine following graduation and embrace not only military service but also the maritime industry.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our Nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Conner Willcox, a United States Merchant Marine Academy Appointee. Conner is a graduate from McKinney Boyd High School where he played football as a starting inside linebacker, lacrosse where he served as captain his senior year, and also participated in wrestling. Conner was actively involved in the National Honor Society, Peer Assistance and Leadership, Saint Gabriel Church Youth Group and as a lifeguard. Conner wants to attend an academy because of the structure and tradition of excellence offered. It is his dream to be a leader in the military in order to protect the country and preserve the liberties we all enjoy. Conner comes from a military family as his grandfather flew 136 missions in Southeast Asia including more than 100 over North Vietnam and his brother is a Cadet First Class at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Ryan Martinez, a United States Naval Academy Appointee. Ryan is a graduate of Cistercian Preparatory School where he played football as a wide receiver and a free safety, ran cross country, participated in track, and played soccer earning a total of nine letters during his high school career. Ryan was actively involved in Student Council as the vice president, a member of the Third District Congressional Youth Advisory Council, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and worked as a sports writer for his school's newspaper. He was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Leadership Seminar. Ryan realized there was no other university he would rather attend, and by attending a service academy he would not only be pushing his talents to their fullest potential, but he would also be using them for his ultimate goal of servicing others, and especially his remarkable country.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the Third District of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our Nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Brianna Burnstad, a United States Military Academy Appointee. Brianna is a graduate of Plano Senior High School where she played volleyball, while simultaneously participating on a club volleyball team serving as the team captain. Brianna served as a member of student congress, the National Honor Society, and Third District Congressional Youth Advisory Committee. She was also active in her church as a confirmation teacher, youth choir representative, and took part in mission trips. Brianna wants to attend the United States Military Academy following in the footsteps of three generations of her family because she wants to pursue a career in the Army and wants to dedicate herself to something larger than herself. Brianna is not only impressed that West Point challenges its students academically, but also emphasizes the importance of physical and leadership training.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious U.S. service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the Third District of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our Nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Emily Boyson, a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointee. Emily is a graduate of Bishop Lynch High School where she was on the varsity swim team and partook in the breast stroke and individual medley. Emily was also a part of the National Honor Society as the parliamentarian, Mu Alpha Theta as treasurer, and the New Conservatory Dallas as a violinist. Emily was part of a prestigious mathematics program in high school and won several awards in school science fairs. She received the Star Student Award given to her by Bishop Lynch faculty, the Renaissance Program Award and the Dean of Students Letter of Recognition of Perfect Conduct. Emily wants to attend an Academy in order to mold herself into a strong, effective military leader capable of protecting America while fulfilling the mission of the military.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute James Kennington, a United States Naval Academy Appointee. James is a graduate of Plano West Senior High School where he participated in wrestling and earned varsity letters in 2010 and 2011. Extracurricular activities such as weight lifting and running also consumed James' time, including martial arts where he is a blue belt. James was also an active member of the Young Men's Service League as the vice president, and founded his own photography club which received several awards. Academic success has always been a part of James high school career. He received the College Board AP Scholar of Distinction, was a National Merit Commended Scholar, in the French Honor Society and National Honor Society, and scored a perfect score on two sections of the SAT. He stated in his application essay, ``I feel deeply compelled to join the fight--to give all of myself for freedom, for brotherhood, and for country.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the Third District of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Amber Lowman, a United States Naval Academy Appointee. Amber is a graduate of McKinney High School where she played volleyball as a right side hitter and a middle blocker and ran track and field participating in the long jump and triple jump. Amber was an active participant in her school's DECA club as their president, a member of Youth Leadership Board at Stonebridge United Methodist Church, and also a member of the McKinney High School Theatre Department taking a lead role in a musical. While balancing academics and extracurricular activities, Amber has also given much of her time to those in need serving as a volunteer for Special Olympics and the elderly at an assisted living center, and served as a camp counselor for those with special needs. Amber believes her readiness for adventure, leadership skills, and competitiveness will allow her to excel at a military academy. Her father is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and she looks forward to carrying on the tradition in Annapolis.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Jeffrey Herrera, a United States Air Force Academy Appointee. Jeff is a graduate of Wylie High School where he ran junior varsity cross country as well as participated in junior varsity track and field. He served as the National Honor Society president and was a Hispanic National Merit Scholar. Jeff was also part of the Air Force Junior ROTC and served as the Deputy Group Commander. Jeff chose to apply to the Air Force Academy because he wanted to receive the exemplary service academy education and experience. Since the beginning of his involvement in his junior ROTC program, he had developed a deep and strong interest in serving his country and becoming an officer in the United States Military. Jeff stated in an essay, ``Nothing would please me more than to give back to my country while leading the future servicemen, servicewomen and protectors of this country.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Elizabeth Carpenter, a United States Air Force Academy Appointee. Elizabeth is a graduate of Plano East Senior High School where she excelled at many things. She was a strong student who participated in National Honor Society and the International Baccalaureate Program. Elizabeth is also an accomplished athlete. She played varsity volleyball and was the team captain at Plano East. She comes from a family of service as her grandfather graduated from the United States Military Academy and retired as a colonel from the Air Force and her sister is currently at the U.S. Naval Academy. Elizabeth has aspirations to become a pilot. Elizabeth chose to apply to the Air Force Academy because she is certain it is only there she can study her interest in aviation and give her a foundation that she can apply in any endeavor.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Joseph Hays, a United States Air Force Academy Appointee. Joseph is a graduate of Plano West Senior High School where he was a part of the varsity wrestling team. While excelling academically, Joseph gave of his time at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton's Parish Pastoral Council as a Board Member, and worked as a Lifeguard for the City of Plano and swim teacher. Joseph comes from a military oriented family, where his grandparents served in WWII and Korea. His stepfather served as a Black Hawk pilot and instructor. After life at the Academy, Joseph aspires to attend medical school to serve as a medical doctor in the United States Armed Forces. Joseph feels that his dedication toward his goal of attending a Service Academy reflects his values as both a devout Christian and as an American.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Kevin Carringer, a United States Military Academy Appointee. Kevin is a graduate of Plano West Senior High School where he ran cross country, and track. Kevin also participated in triathlons, winning a consistent first place amongst his age group, and also achieving fifty miler awards for BSA canoeing and kayaking. Kevin worked hard at various jobs through his summers and serves as an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He served as president of the Plano West Cycling Club and was a member of the National Honor Society. Kevin's personal ambition and motivation to protect freedom inspire him to attend a United States Military Academy. In an essay Kevin stated he aspires to become the best Ranger the Army has seen, and believes that the full four year lifestyle of military discipline and training is required as his first stepping stone to success.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Emma Dridge, a United States Air Force Academy Appointee. Emma is a graduate of Allen High School where she was considered an all-around overachiever in everything she did. She played high school and club volleyball where she earned numerous awards. Emma was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, and the Chamber Orchestra. One of Emma's teachers said Emma demonstrates confidence, inspiration and perseverance while always giving 100 percent at all times and has the ability to motivate others to do the same. Emma chose to apply to a United States Service Academy so that she may experience a unique and extraordinary education, while also being offered a chance to contribute athletically at the highest collegiate level. Emma knows that an Air Force Academy education will provide a solid foundation for her professional and academic pursuits.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our nation. As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless them and God bless America. Today I salute Christopher Gordon, a United States Military Academy Appointee. Christopher spent the past year at Boston University studying for Mechanical Engineering on an AROTC Scholarship. He is a 2010 graduate of Plano West Senior High where he played varsity soccer as the goalkeeper and participated in JROTC Rifle Team. Christopher also participated in Army JROTC as a platoon leader, served as a member of the patriot booster club, and holds the rank of Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts of America. Christopher aspires to serve his country and foster a career as an officer in the Army Special Forces. Christopher believes that West Point leadership education will provide him with the proper tools to learn more and more about what it is to be a better, more effective leader.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the newly crowned NBA champions, the Dallas Mavericks. They came together, persevered, and played exceptionally well as a team. The MVP of the series, Dirk Nowitzki, will go down in history as a tireless worker and humble team player who shined both on and off the court. I'm proud of the Mavs' first-ever NBA championship title and hope there are many more to come. It is Flag Day, and I think it's noteworthy that this team is emblematic of the American spirit--as individuals they are good, but when they come together, they are great. God bless Texas. God bless the Mavs. I salute you.