Recognizing the Dedicated Service of the Honorable Mark E. Johnson

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the decades of dedicated service that the Honorable Mark E. Johnson has given not only to his country, but to his community.

Johnson spent 28 years of his life in the United States Army, rising through the ranks due to his impeccable service and endless perseverance. In this period, Johnson received an astonishing 30 awards and decorations, including the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star.

After retiring at the rank of Colonel, Johnson embarked upon a new challenge, bringing his love of public service to the legal profession. Johnson worked in the private sector and as a Deputy Public Defender for the Riverside County Public Defender's Office to ensure everyone had access to a vigorous defense.

He went on to serve as a judge for the Riverside County Superior Court, ruling thoughtfully in over 200 jury trials and presiding over many of the most significant cases in our community.

Above all, Johnson worked at every point in his storied career to serve other veterans. Johnson labored endlessly to ensure no one who sacrificed for our nation would fall through the cracks. He developed the Riverside County Veterans Treatment Court to help address the service-related health issues too many of our veterans face.

The Honorable Mark E. Johnson has done more for our veterans, our communities, and our Nation than can ever be repaid. I stand today to ensure his work is never forgotten.

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