Congressman Johnson to honor veterans at “Extending the Legacy” program on Friday
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at his "Extending the Legacy" program on Friday, June 2, 1 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia.
The commemoration's primary objective, as penned by Congress, is to thank and honor the Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the nation. The commemoration recognizes all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 and their families.
"We make no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period," said Rep. Johnson. "All were called to serve and none could self-determine where they were stationed."
The event also will serve as a celebration to honor the commitment of the Congressman's Service Academy nomination recipients and several veterans who participated in the "Veterans History Project."
"It is these men and women who shoulder the wheel in the defense of our nation. They have learned the meaning of duty, honor and country and are passing the torch to some great young people who will be a part of the Service Academy," said Johnson. "Our veterans are a perfect example of sacrifice, and our outstanding nominees serve as an example of the kind of young people who possess the leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and life."
The "Veterans History Project" was directed and produced by Xeron Pledger and Shy Armstrong in Congressman Johnson's district office. The nearly eight-hour, documentary highlights six veterans whose stories have been inducted into the Library of Congress. Congressman Johnson will debut a preview of the "Veterans History Project" at the June 2 event.
Listed below are the names of the six veterans who participated in the "Veterans History Project," as well as the 23 students who have been nominated to attend a Service Academy.
Veteran service members who participated in the Veterans History Project:
DeKalb County
Hank Thomas-Vietnam
Valerie Green-Peace Time in Germany
Gwinnett County
William Cunningham-WWII
Rockdale County
Ramona Hall-Desert Storm
Newton County
Walter Bentley-Vietnam
Isaac Pippen-Vietnam
Service Academy Nominees:
Brionna Alexander
U.S. Air Force Academy, Shiloh High School
Maxwell Blackman
U.S. Military Academy, Arabia Mountain High School
Stephen Burnett
U.S. Naval Academy, Parkview High School
Timothy Callaway
U.S. Naval Academy Arabia Mountain High School
Devon Canterbury
U.S. Air Force Academy, South Gwinnett High School
Patrick Coppock
U.S. Military Academy, Coppock Home Study
Andrew Crites
U.S. Air Force Academy, Lakeside High School
Queen Dais
U.S. Air Force Academy, Arabia Mountain High School
Daniel Figiel
U.S. Air Force, St Pius Catholic High School
Timia Hampton
U.S. Merchant Marines, Newton County High School
Emari Hill
U.S. Air Force Academy, Chamblee Charter High School
Artice Hobbs
U.S. Military Academy, Newton County High School
Darion Isom
U.S. Naval Academy, Southwest DeKalb High School
Jahfel Jones
U.S. Merchant Marines Academy, Chamblee Charter High School
Maya McCollum
U.S. Military Academy, Arabia Mountain High School
Deandre McKinley
U.S. Military Academy, South Gwinnett High School
Ebitanbo Okorowanta
U.S. Merchant Marines Academy, Stephenson High School
Christopher Stoves
U.S. Military Academy, Parkview High School
Christopher Terry
U.S. Military Academy, Stephenson High School
Justin Tilghman
U.S. Military Academy, Miller Grove High School
Jesse Woodruff
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Rockdale Magnet School
Shane Woodruff
U.S. Air Force Academy, Rockdale Magnet School
Edgar Woods
U.S. Air Force Academy, Miller Grove High School
Trontavious Tate
U.S. Military Academy, Georgia Gwinnett College
All members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates per opening. Academies usually make appointments by March 31 of each year. Those who graduate from a Service Academy will receive a Bachelor of Science degree, be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and honorably serve in the military for a minimum of five years.
For more information about the Service Academy nomination process and the "Veterans History Project," contact Congressman Johnson's office at 770-987-2291.