Washington, DC – Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) made the following statement commemorating the 40th anniversary of Operation Homecoming.  The date marks the return of 591 American prisoners of war including Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX), a 29-year Air Force veteran who was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for nearly 7 years.

“Sam Johnson is the ultimate public servant whose courage has been felt in the halls of Congress and across the globe.  A true American hero, he fulfilled his mission to protect this great nation at the expense of his own freedom and safety.  While today marks 40 years since his return, it is also a celebration of the freedom we enjoy every day – a freedom that was secured through the bravery of Sam Johnson and the other prisoners of war.  We are grateful for Sam’s service to our nation and treasure his unwavering strength, his patriotism and, most of all, his friendship.”