Omaha City Wire

Every year, Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) invites a member of the community to join him for the Presidential Address or State of the Union address before Congress. This year, Rep. Bacon has announced that two guests have accepted his invitation: Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor for Christ Community Church in Omaha, and Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston.

Mark Ashton is known for his strong faith and commitment to service. He is married with four children and holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in economics and marketing. An ordained minister, he serves on the National Board of Directors for the Christian and Missionary Alliance and has been involved in various organizations such as CityCare Counseling and Within Reach. Ashton has also led mission trips across six continents.

“Pastor Mark has made an impact through his work at CityCare broadening access to mental health services, building collaborative networks like Within Reach to leverage resources to offer compassion, hope and faith,” said Rep. Bacon. “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.”

Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston's husband, U.S. Army Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, was injured by an IED in 2008 during Operation Enduring Freedom and later died from his injuries. His bravery was recognized when former President George Bush awarded him a Purple Heart.

“The bravery of Capt. Yllescas is well documented,” said Bacon. “But the courage of his wife Dena, and all of our Gold Star Spouses, cannot be fathomed...I am pleased Dena is able to join us.”