Sam Johnson served his country for 29 years, as an Air Force fighter pilot and veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

In 1966, his F-4 was shot down over Vietnam. He spent almost seven years as a prisoner of war … nearly half of that in solitary confinement. During this period he was repeatedly tortured.

Highly decorated for his service to our country, Sam also served as the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun"). He also flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying team.

Transition to Congress

As good a pilot as Sam Johnson was ... he's an even better congressman.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Sam founded a successful homebuilding business in Plano. He eventually was elected to the Texas State Legislature. In 1991, he embarked on a new mission of service- representing the people of Texas' 3rd District in the United States Congress.

Sam Johnson’s American values

Sam knows the challenges faced by the United States. He understands that America must maintain a strong, well-prepared military. He's known first-hand the consequences of terror.

Sam has also stood tall when other elected officials moved to weaken America's military. He has refused to jeopardize our freedoms or disrespect the men and women who serve our country. "I know what it's like to be far from home and hear that your country and your Congress don't care about you," he told fellow congressmen.

A vocal advocate of less government and lower taxes, Johnson sits on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee. He also serves as the ranking member of the Social Security Subcommittee.

Sam Johnson’s family values

Sam is married to the former Shirley L. Melton of Dallas. Sam and Shirley are proud parents of three children and ten grandchildren.