Dear friend,
This past week was filled with hearings, classified briefings, votes, introduction of legislation, meetings with constituent advocacy groups, and the joint session!
Every year, I invite a social guest to the presidential address or State of the Union, and thanks to a colleague I was able to invite two: Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor for Christ Community Church (CCC) in Omaha and Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston, a Gold Star spouse.
“As leader of his congregation at Christ Community, Pastor Mark has helped the church bring aid to the hungry and marginalized victims of natural disasters around the globe; plant churches; launch schools and bring education to nations on three continents.”
On October 28, 2008, Dena’s husband, U.S. Army Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, was injured by an IED (Improvised Explosion Device), losing both of his legs and suffering head injuries. Although there were moments of hope, he succumbed to his injuries on December 1, 2008. The attack occurred during one of the bloodiest American engagements in Operation Enduring Freedom, and was the subject of a 2019 film, The Outpost.
In addition to attending the joint address, I was able to show them a bit of the Capitol and spent time talking about their interests.
