The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S5205 on July 19, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
TRIBUTE TO EDWARD J. HAMILL
Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Edward J. ``Eddie'' Hamill, who is retiring on July 31, 2012 after more than three decades of exemplary service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. On July 17, the Missouri Farm Service Agency, FSA, held a reception for Eddie recognizing his service. Today, I would like to stand to honor his contributions to agriculture and the people of Missouri.
Eddie is a lifelong Missourian who has served the people of Missouri through his work at the Farm Service Agency since 1979. In addition to his dedicated work at the Farm Service Agency, Eddie's passion for public service is evident in his willingness to serve beyond his normal workload. He is active in the Perry Lion's Club, Mark Twain Young Farmers, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Farmer's Union, and serves as a member of the Ralls County Health Department Board of Directors. On top of all this, Eddie operates a family farm with 1,200 acres of cropland and pasture for a cow-calf herd.
In July 2009, Eddie was appointed by President Obama to serve as the State Executive Director of FSA, responsible for overseeing the delivery of the income support, disaster assistance, conservation and farm loan programs. With more than 100,000 farms, Missouri agriculture employs nearly 250,000 people. Immensely productive and highly diverse, it is the backbone of Missouri's economy. The task of ensuring that Missouri's farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to provide for our families and communities is vital.
During his tenure as Missouri FSA Director, Eddie has worked tirelessly to ensure the agency is doing everything it can to properly serve our State. With nearly 100 offices in counties throughout the State, the local Farm Service Agency office is where Missouri farmers turn for assistance. A husband, father of four, and a farmer himself, Eddie believes in improving economic stability for Missouri farmers one family at a time. From the letters that have come in to my office from Missourians expressing the importance they place on their local Farm Service Agency office, the value of his approach and dedication is clear.
Perhaps nowhere has the value of Eddie's leadership been clearer than in response to the devastating natural disasters Missouri agriculture has faced. From the devastating flooding we experienced along the Missouri River, to the catastrophe at Birds Point, to this year's crippling drought conditions, Eddie and the entire Missouri Farm Service Agency staff have answered every call to help.
I am happy today to pay tribute to Eddie Hamill. He stands out amongst public servants, and he has my thanks and surely that of all Missourians for his service to our State. I wish congratulations and good luck to him and his entire family.
____________________
