Rep. Johnson Honors Veterans at “Extending the Legacy” Program

LITHONIA, GA – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at his “Extending the Legacy” program on 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 our 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 November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location; 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 will also 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.”       

Congressman Johnson’s “Extending the Legacy” event acknowledges past, present and future members of our community who answer the call to serve our country.     

“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 Rep. 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 style piece, 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:

Walter Bentley

Newton County Resident-Vietnam War

William Cunningham

Gwinnett County Resident-World War II

Hank Thomas

DeKalb County Resident-Vietnam War

Valerie Green

DeKalb County Resident-Peace Time in Germany

Ramona Hall

Rockdale County Resident-Desert Storm

Isaac Pippen

Newton County Resident-Vietnam War

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