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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E951-E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING PAUL JOHNSON OF GREAT FALLS
______
HON. GREG GIANFORTE
of montana
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Paul Johnson
of Great Falls for caring for his community on the front line and for
the sacrifices he made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[[Page E952]]
Paul Johnson loves his camper. His family bought their first one 10
years ago so they could spend more time together making their own
Montana moments. For Paul, his wife, and their four kids, camping is a
huge part of their lifestyle, and they cherish their time together. But
this year looked a little different for the Johnson camper. It served
as a home for Paul as he worked at Benefis West campus to keep his
patients and family safe from the coronavirus.
Back in March, the Benefis Health System instituted a respiratory
clinic for the sole purpose of treating COVID-19 patients. Paul was one
of three commissioned physicians to oversee the clinic, putting him in
direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Formerly a part of the U.S. Army
Reserve and currently in the National Guard, it's in Paul's DNA to
serve others.
For nine weeks, Paul camped at the Benefis West campus and the local
KOA campground, away from his wife and children. Paul says he had to do
what was best for his family. His eldest son was home, about to be
deployed to Afghanistan. His daughter also worked at a family ranch
that had guests coming and going. Paul simply didn't want to jeopardize
his family's health if he was an asymptomatic carrier.
Paul is good at putting things in perspective, though. He says it
certainly wasn't as bad as being deployed out of country. Still, the
experience was emotionally and mentally draining, especially since
there wasn't a clear light at the end of the tunnel. But to Paul, the
easiest thing to do was grab the bull by the horns and take care of his
patients.
His family is very proud of him, and so am I.
Living out of a camper in March with no heat wasn't easy. When it was
below freezing, his water wouldn't run, so he used the hospital for a
warm shower. Cooking for himself was a challenge. Paul says there were
a lot of busy days and sleepless nights. To pass the time, he tied
flies. When it wasn't cold, he was able to take a socially distant dog
walk with his wife, but there was no hand-holding or kissing. Paul says
that was one of the hardest parts.
Many may ask, ``Why go to these lengths?'' For Paul, he was committed
to treating his patients and serving his community in a time of need.
Madam Speaker, for his outstanding service to country, for his
dedication to family, and for his selfless, unwavering patient care, I
recognize Paul Johnson of Great Falls for his Spirit of Montana.
____________________
