Congressman Johnson's 2022 Spring Academy Day Remarks

SPRING ACADEMY DAY REMARKS 2022 | THE HONORABLE HANK JOHNSON | UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE | SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

I am honored to stand before you today as we celebrate Academy Day 2022. It's been a while since we've all been in person in this way, so it's good to see everyone this morning. Welcome.

Your dedication to our country's success and your interest in attending one of our military academies inspires us, so on behalf of all of us, thank you—and thank you particularly to all out parents and grandparents out here today.

I would also like to thank my longtime friend, Senator Jon Ossoff, for his kind remarks. I have seen Senator Ossoff's tireless work firsthand, during my previous work on the House Armed Services Committee, and I've seen his work ensuring that our active military and their families are not suffering from substandard privatized housing. Sen. Ossoff work in the Senate thus far, shows where his heart lies, and what kind of constituent services he plans on delivering now and into the future. Holding powerful entities accountable to our service men and women and their families is some of the most important work we can do as public servants.

So, thank you Senator Ossoff for your work on behalf of our military families. I think that deserves a round of applause! We look forward to more great things to come from your office.

Most importantly, I would like to extend my gratitude to you, those active military, who defend our great nation. Major General Carden, Major General Grabowski, and Colonel Magnusson, thank you for being shining stars displaying tremendous leadership and fortitude to these young academy members. Your example will encourage this next generation in the United States military.

To our young and resilient group here this morning, thank you for dedicating your future to an excellent education at these U.S. Service Academies.

Our distinguished institutions will test your dedication, service, morality, duty, discipline, and ambition, but I know all of you are prepared for this challenge. Whether you are headed to West Point or Kings Point, New London or Annapolis, or out west to Colorado, your service is a valuable responsibility.

Part of this responsibility is to lead, regardless of the difficulty of the situation. This period in military history is complicated, given the hellish war in Ukraine, caused by the disgraceful warmongering of Vladimir Putin. Yet, the institutions you aspire to attend will forge you into men and women who can trust your instincts and intuition, because that is what a strong leader does.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight—it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Your time as a member of our service academies will stick with you throughout your life but know that it is the spirit inside that will enable you to be the very best that you can be.
I wish you all the best of luck as you embark on the adventure of your life. We in Georgia believe in you and are so proud of your accomplishments.

Finally, I'd like to recognize the families and teachers present today and commend you for being the support system for these young soldiers.

Please take in the information from today's presenters, as they have priceless advice and guidance for you. Thank you for your service and have a great day.

###