Bacon Announces Community Leader and Gold Star Wife as His Presidential Address Guests

WASHINGTON – Every year, for the Presidential Address or State of the Union address before a joint session of congress, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) has invited a member of the community to join him as his guest. This year, Rep. Bacon is pleased to announce two guests who have accepted his invitation and ARE attending: Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor for Christ Community Church (CCC) in Omaha and Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston. 

A man of strong faith and passion for service, Mark is married to his college sweetheart, Kelle, and they have four children. Mark holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, in economics and in marketing, and has completed graduate and seminary work. Since he is also an Ordained Minister of the Gospel, he likes to brag that his official title is “Rev. Mark Ashton, B.S., B.S., O.M.G.” Pastor Mark serves on the National Board of Directors for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is the founding leader of organizations such as CityCare Counseling, and Within Reach. He has taught leaders and led mission trips in fifteen countries on six continents. The international project closest to his heart is the Hospital for Women and Children in West Africa, where over 50,000 babies have been safely born since it opened in 2006.

“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.”

On October 28, 2008, U.S. Army Capt. Robert J. Yllescas was injured by an IED (Improvised Explosion Device), losing both of his legs and suffering head injuries. Although there were moments of hope, he succumbed to his injuries on December 1, 2008. The attack occurred during one of the bloodiest American engagements in Operation Enduring Freedom, and was the subject of a 2019 film, The Outpost.

In addition to his wife Dena, Capt. Yllescas is survived by his two daughters.

“The bravery of Capt. Yllescas is well documented and was recognized in November 2008 when former president George Bush presented him with a Purple Heart,” said Bacon. “But the courage of his wife Dena, and all of our Gold Star Spouses, cannot be fathomed. As they are left to pick up the pieces and carry on for their families, after losing their loved one, cannot be described in enough details for people to comprehend. I am pleased Dena is able to join us.”

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