State Representative Curtis Johnson honored by the U.S. Department of Defense

Representative Curtis Johnson has been honored by the U.S. Department of Defense for his work “impacting the quality of life of Service members and their families”

Nashville, TN– Tennessee State Representative Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) was recognized recently by the United States Department of Defense for his “leadership on public policy changes positively impacting the quality of life of Service members and their families.”

The award of appreciation comes after Rep. Johnson successfully passed several bills to aid military service members and their families, including House Bill 1106 which was approved this year. That new law requires a court to hold an expedited hearing, if appropriate, for a temporary modification to a decree for child custody or visitation when a parent, who is to be mobilized into military duty, requires immediate attention. It also requires the court to allow testimony to be given by electronic means while the military parent is out of the state and authorizes the court to permanently modify a decree of child custody or visitation if a parent volunteers for successive or frequent duties that removes the parent from the state.

“It is with great pleasure that the Department of Defense presents you with this certificate of appreciation signed by Mr. Robert L. Gordon, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy,” said Edward Kringer, State Liaison and Education Opportunity Director, in a letter to Johnson. “Please accept our appreciation and that of the Service members and families residing in your state for your dedicated effort towards improving their quality of life.”

Johnson also sponsored the Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children, a new law that aims to help children of military personnel transition from school to school when moving out-of-state which was passed in 2010. The compact helps military children with issues regarding enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements upon the transfer of their parent or guardian.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized for helping our troops and their families,” said Representative Johnson, who is veteran of the U.S. Navy. “I am constantly inspired by the courage and dedication to country that I see here at Fort Campbell and across the state from our soldiers. I am also inspired by the truly remarkable support they get from their families who serve this country through great sacrifice as well. It is my honor to help them in any way that I can.”