[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         LYNELLE ECHEVERRIA KERN COUNTY CATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 1998

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate a 
truly exemplary individual, Lynelle Echeverria, upon being named the 
1998 Kern County Cattlewoman of the Year. The Kern County cattle 
industry has bestowed this award upon Lynelle because of her superb 
achievements in the beef industry as well as her contributions to the 
community.
  Lynelle has devoted many years supporting the beef industry at both 
local and state levels. She chairs the highly successful fund-raiser 
titled ``The Celebration of Western Culture'', which is held every year 
in Kern County. She also has led the Kern County Cattlewomen's 
Association and is a member of the scholarship committee for the 
California Cattlewomen. Her long-time involvement and dedication to the 
industry deserves recognition.
  It did not take long for Lynelle to know that she was born to be a 
cattlewoman. She joined the renowned girls riding group, ``the 
Wranglerettes'' at age 11 and performed with them until she was 21. She 
went on to Cal Poly, majoring in biological sciences with an emphasis 
on Botany.
  In addition to her untiring commitment to the industry, Lynelle also 
contributes to her community. She is a notable Western artist who has 
painted, taught and participated in art shows across the country. She 
has been an active member of the Women Artists of the West for the past 
10 years. Somewhere in between she found time to raise a family along 
with her husband Matt, who is Senior Vice-President of the Tejon Ranch 
Company and President of the California Cattlemen's Association. They 
have two children, Debbie and Michael.
  Lynelle Echeverria is a remarkable woman who aptly fits the role of 
Cattlewoman of the Year. She embodies the spirit and dedication of 
family in one of the West's most historic industries. She has dedicated 
her life to the cattle industry but also to her family and community. I 
am proud to congratulate her on being named the Kern County Cattlewoman 
of the Year.

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