In this Edition:

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My Efforts on Your Behalf in Washington, D.C.:

• Rolling Thunder 30th Anniversary – Accounting for our MIAs
• Breaking Down Government Barriers to Help Folks Return to Work  
• National Police Week

My Efforts on Your Behalf in Texas:

• Congressional Art Competition Exhibit – Winners Announced!
• U.S. Service Academy Appointees Send-Off
• Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) Graduation
• Veterans History Project
• “Honor Our Stars and Stripes” Program to Retire Worn U.S. Flags

Upcoming Events and Deadlines:

• June 27th: “Badges of Honor” Veterans Medal Event
• June 28th: Mobile Office Hours
• July 10th: Water Event
• July 27th: Nominations Close for FINAL Congressional Veterans Commendation Award
• September 7th: Applications Close for FINAL CYAC Class
• September 9th: U.S. Service Academy Info Session  

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Rolling Thunder. Each year, its Ride for Freedom is an inspiring reminder that we must do all we can to ensure a full accounting for American forces who remain missing in action (MIA). It is a call to action, and as a 29-year Air Force veteran and former POW, I speak from personal experience when I say that taking action can change lives — it can even save them.  Today, I remain committed to bringing home fellow service members who were left behind in previous wars and conflicts. That is why earlier this year I introduced a resolution (H.Res. 129) that calls for intensified efforts to recover and repatriate every American troop who remains unaccounted for. Sadly, there are currently about 83,000 unaccounted for American troops.  To learn more about my efforts on behalf of our troops and veterans, you can read my op-ed in the Washington Times Rolling Thunder Special Edition. 

Breaking Down Government Barriers to Help Folks Return to Work

The Social Security Disability Insurance program provides benefits to nearly 8.8 million people who can no longer work due to illness or injury. This program is an important lifeline for them. But for those whose conditions improve, the program makes returning to work too complicated.  According to the most recent survey of disability insurance beneficiaries, 40 percent want to return to work. However, in any given year, less than 0.5 percent successfully re-enter the workforce. That's largely because Social Security's complicated rules stand in the way, and that's not right.  As Chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, this is something I’ve been hard at work to fix.  For example, on May 4th I introduced the HEARTS Act to help severely wounded veterans who want to get back to work.   To learn more about my efforts on this front, you can read my op-ed in the Dallas Morning News. 

My thanks to the folks at the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McKinney for all you do to serve as a voice for abused children in our community.  Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and I thank these dedicated advocates for their tireless commitment to our most innocent.

National Police Week

During the week of May 15th, our Great Nation recognized National Police Week.  In recognition and support of our officers who daily put themselves in harm’s way, the House considered a number of bills to support state and local police, firefighters, and first responders. Of note, the House passed legislation that stiffens penalties for assaulting first responders.  I thank all our upstanding officers for the work they do to keep the good folks of Collin County safe.  Each of you are hometown heroes, and I salute you for your service.  

On May 8th I held my annual art exhibit and awards ceremony at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in order to showcase the original artwork created by our Collin County student artists.  The quality of talent in this year’s Congressional Art Competition is exceptional, and I thank all our student artists who participated and generously shared their original artwork with others.  I also want to thank our parents and teachers for investing in these students and providing these young minds an environment to think creatively and further develop their artistic skills.  I’m inspired not only by the artwork displayed, but by the support this community provides.  It’s what makes Collin County such a great place to live.  Again, I thank all our students for their hard work, and it is my pleasure to congratulate this year’s winners on their accomplishments!

The First Place winner of the 2017 Art Competition is Paris Poisso from Allen High School for her artwork, “Accession.”  Poisso’s artwork will soon travel to Washington, D.C. where it will be displayed in the United States Capitol building for one year along with other First Place winners’ artwork from across the nation.  At the awards ceremony, Poisso received two free tickets for roundtrip airfare to Washington, D.C. – courtesy of Southwest Airlines – where she will attend the national 2017 Congressional Art Competition unveiling ceremony in June.

The Second Place winner is Ariana Kypuros from Heritage High School for her artwork, “Dog.”  As the second place winner, Kypuros’s work will be proudly displayed in Congressman Sam Johnson’s district office in Plano for one year.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award is Juliana Rangel from McKinney Boyd High School for her artwork, “Unselfish Sacrifice.”  Her patriotic artwork was selected for this award by a public, online poll.

To view all of the winning artwork from this year’s competition, please CLICK HERE.

U.S. Service Academy Appointees Send-Off

On May 21st I hosted my annual Academy Appointee Send-Off Ceremony to congratulate the 23 Collin County young adults who received appointments to U.S. Service Academies or one of the preparatory schools this fall.  It was my honor to congratulate these young men and women who have been chosen as the future leaders of our Armed Forces by the prestigious United States Service Academies.  It is no easy task to receive an Academy appointment – students must excel academically and athletically over the years, and they must also contribute their time, talent, and effort to the community.  The nomination process to even be considered is competitive, and these students’ appointments prove they are the gold standard.  Seeing their commitment and love of freedom, liberty, and democracy gives me great hope that America’s best days are ahead.  I thank them for their willingness to serve, and I wish them the best on the endeavor they are about to undertake!

Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) Graduation

In 2004 I formed the CYAC program to gain insight from students in Collin County and to inspire civic-minded young adults to achieve their full potential and begin building a legacy of service.   This year’s CYAC class did a phenomenal job, and I was so impressed with how they continued to challenge one another for better ideas and understanding of today’s issues.  We had some great meetings that involved detailed policy discussions and an array of impressive guest speakers.  They also held a Mock Congress to learn more about the legislative process, and they got involved with community service projects to help “pay it forward.”  I thank all our students for their hard work and generosity of spirit – y’all have bright futures ahead!

This fall will mark the final year for CYAC, and we have some exciting things already in the works.  If you would like to apply for this prestigious program, check out the info under Upcoming Events and Deadlines.  Applications close September 7th!

Veterans History Project

In order to help local veterans and their families preserve stories of heroism, patriotism, and sacrifice, my office recently hosted a training workshop on the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project (VHP).  Now more than ever, our country needs to hear about the experiences of our veterans who have personally defended freedom.  If you are a veteran, I encourage you to record your stories.  They are important and deserve to be preserved and shared.  If you were unable to attend this workshop and would like information about the Veterans History Project, please call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382.

“Honor Our Stars and Stripes” Program to Retire Worn U.S. Flags

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Flag Code, American flags are considered unserviceable when they are worn, torn, soiled, or frayed?  In fact, the code states that, “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  That is why, in an effort to help meet the needs of folks seeking to properly retire their old and worn U.S. flags, I started my “Honor Our Stars and Stripes” program in the fall of 2015.  You are invited to drop off flags unsuitable for display at either my local Plano office or at one of my monthly Mobile Office Hours.  Flags will then be retired in a decommissioning ceremony (scheduled to fit demand).

As an additional constituent service, if you would like to purchase a new flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol in order to commemorate a special occasion, please CLICK HERE to learn more information. 

I’m pleased to announce that this summer I will host a “Badges of Honor” initiative to help Collin County veterans receive the military medals they have earned.  My staff will be on hand to assist with the paperwork needed to begin the service medal request process.  Veterans and their family members are welcome to come to the Plano District Office anytime between 10:00am and 3:30pm to start the service medal request process.  Veterans needing assistance are asked to bring a copy of their DD214 form.  In order to adhere to the Privacy Act of 1974, folks must also be prepared to sign a privacy release form. 

Due to limited space, please RSVP by emailing Casey Quinn at casey.quinn@mail.house.gov or by calling (469) 304- 0382.

June 28th: Mobile Office Hours

In an effort to conveniently provide Collin County constituents with help, my staff in Plano regularly hosts monthly Mobile Office Hours (MOHs).  These “Mobile Offices” visit different communities across North Texas.  On June 28th, my staff will be in Allen, Wylie, Anna, and Richardson. Appointments are not necessary, but you will need to bring all relevant documents and fill out a privacy release form before my staff can contact any federal agency (due to the Privacy Act of 1974).  To learn more about Mobile Office Hours and Casework, CLICK HERE.  If you cannot make it to this month’s MOH, I encourage you to call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382.

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Allen
Allen City Hall
305 Century Parkway

Wylie
Wylie City Hall
300 Country Club Road

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Anna
Anna City Hall
101 South Powell Parkway

Richardson
Richardson Civic Center
411 West Arapaho Road, Suite 102

July 10th: Water Event

Many folks don’t know that at Collin County’s current rate of projected population growth, by 2021 we will not have sufficient water to meet demand unless a new reservoir is built.  This goes beyond water rationing for lawns.  This is about water from the faucet. I have long been working to ensure that we have sufficient water resources in North Texas, and last year I got an amendment signed into law to help secure a new reservoir to serve our needs.  I have been working closely with the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) on this critical issue, and if you’d like to hear more information and get updates, I encourage you to attend this event.

Due to attendance by community leaders involved with water issues and limited space at the event’s facility, RSVPs are required.  To reserve your spot, please contact my Plano office at (469)304-0382 or email events.tx03@mail.house.gov.

Water Event: July 10th, 2017
Collin College Courtyard Center
Training Room 122
4800 Preston Park Boulevard
Plano, Texas 75093
10:00 am

July 27th: Nominations Close for FINAL Congressional Veterans Commendation Award

North Texas is home to many men and women who have donned the uniform in defense of Freedom. Many of these patriots are so dedicated to serving others that when they retire from active duty, they continue to serve their community in a variety of ways.  To honor these exceptional hometown heroes, it is my distinct honor and privilege to provide an opportunity for our community to thank these veterans for their service and sacrifice.  That is where my Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) ceremony comes into play.  This annual, nominations-based program is designed to publicly recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of Collin County’s military veterans.

I encourage all Collin County constituents to consider the veterans they know for nomination: their family members, friends, neighbors, and work colleagues.  Anyone may nominate a veteran, and they may nominate as many veterans as they like.  Nominations close on Thursday, July 27th, 2017 at 5:00 pm.

Please also know that, due to the fact this is my last term in office, this will also be the last chance to nominate someone for a Congressional Veterans Commendation.  

For additional information about this program, please call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382 or CLICK HERE.  If you have any questions, please contact Megan Foreman at megan.foreman@mail.house.gov.

September 7th: Applications Close for FINAL Congressional Youth Advisory Council

Because Collin County has many outstanding students and the application process for CYAC can be competitive, I am happy to announce that this year my staff and I are giving students time over the summer months to thoughtfully prepare their applications.  I encourage any student interested in learning about our government through first-hand civic participation to consider the opportunity, and I look forward to meeting the 2017-2018 CYAC class this fall!

High school students living in the Third Congressional District are invited to submit their applications no later than Thursday, September 7th at 5:00 pm.   For more information and to apply, please CLICK HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Talton at (469)304-0382 or Meagan.talton@mail.house.gov. 

September 9th: U.S. Service Academies Info Session

If you are a student interested in attending one of our nation’s U.S. Service Academies, you must be nominated by an authorized person.  As a 3rd District constituent, you may contact my office for a Service Academy nomination application.  Everyone interested in learning more about this is welcome to attend my annual information forum.

Information Forum: Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Collin College Preston Ridge Campus
Conference Center
9700 Wade Blvd
Frisco, Texas 75035
9:30 am

Deadline for Academy Applications: Monday, November 13th, 2017

Additional information can be found on my website.  Please call my Plano office at (469) 304-0382 if you have any questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update about my latest efforts on your behalf!

My staff and I are here to serve you, so I encourage you to please reach out to let us know your opinions and concerns about the issues most important to you! 

God Bless you and I salute you,

Sam Johnson
MEMBER OF CONGRESS