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.