North Texas Students Say “Thank You!” to Veterans with Valentines
Washington,
Feb 14, 2012 -
U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03), a 29-year Air Force veteran and former Prisoner of War in Vietnam for nearly 7 years, delivered Valentines to veterans at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center yesterday as part of the annual “Valentines for Veterans” program. This event coincides with National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.
Johnson encouraged local schools to participate in the Valentines for Vets program as a creative way to say “thank you” for the service and sacrifice of those who wear the uniform. On Friday, February 10th, Johnson visited Kerr Elementary in Allen (Allen ISD) to pick up students’ Valentines and to participate in a patriotic school assembly.
Johnson spent time visiting with hospitalized veterans at the Dallas VA while delivering the students’ valentines. Leading up to the visit, Johnson also met with and welcomed Jeffrey Milligan, Director of the North Texas Health Care System, to North Texas. At the meeting Johnson discussed issues important to North Texas veterans and their families.
Every February, Americans open their hearts to the country’s hospitalized veterans by sending cards and letters to veterans in the medical centers across the country though the Valentines for Vets program. America observes the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans week during the week of Valentine’s Day.
This year, 40 area schools and area businesses participated in this year’s Valentines for Veterans program. The Congressman wants to thank the following school districts, schools and companies for participating this year:
Allen ISD
Frisco ISD
Garland ISD
McKinney ISD
Plano ISD
Richardson ISD
All Saints Catholic School in Dallas
Canyon Creek Christian Academy in Richardson
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano
Provident Living Center of McKinney
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This weekend, Johnson marked 39 years of freedom – the 39 year anniversary of Operation Homecoming, the day the longest held POWs departed Vietnam.
In 2009 the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Society bestowed Johnson their highest civilian accolade, the National Patriot Award, for his tireless work on behalf of the troops, veterans, and freedom. In 2011, Johnson accepted the “Freedom of Flight” award at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards, dubbed the Oscars of aviation, from renowned air show pilot Bob Hoover. Johnson serves as a Regent for the world famous Smithsonian Institution, where he represents the Board of Regents on the Advisory Board of the National Air and Space Museum.
