[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO ROBERT J. GRAVES ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Robert J. Graves, who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on July 
17th of this year. As a leader in the agriculture industry for over 
half a century and a veteran of World War II, Mr. Graves has served 
both his country and community with inspiring dedication.
  Robert Jackson Graves was born in 1913 in Manhattan, Kansas, the 
first of five children. In 1935, Mr. Graves graduated from the 
University of Maryland at College Park with a BA in Agriculture 
Economics. After graduation, Mr. Graves took a job at the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture as a Regional Director for Marketing 
Administration.
  After a few short years with the Department of Agriculture, Mr. 
Graves went to serve our country in World War II. When a tropical 
disease forced his return to the states, Mr. Graves continued to serve 
our country by working in procurement and supply for the U.S. Navy 
while stationed in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
  After the war, Mr. Graves' work endeavors brought him to California's 
San Joaquin Valley, where, as a contractor, he supervised the building 
of a number of migrant farmworker camps. It was in the San Joaquin 
Valley that he found success as an entrepreneur, starting the Real 
Fresh Milk Company, which utilized a patented process developed by his 
father. The company produced a line of innovative dairy products, and 
it was his efforts to market globally that made his fresh milk a highly 
coveted commodity on military bases throughout Southeast Asia and the 
Middle East.
  Mr. Graves continued to contribute to the growth and development of 
the United States food industry through his extensive involvement with 
the National Food Processors Association, where he served on the Board 
of Directors for six years, chaired the Public Affairs Council, and 
served as Director of the National Food Laboratory Inc.
  Mr. Graves has remained involved with California agriculture over the 
past thirty years through his association with the walnut industry. He 
has held many prestigious posts in this capacity, serving as a member 
of the Sun-Diamond Growers board of directors for 24 years before he 
retired in 2000. During this time he also served as a member of the 
Federal Walnut Marketing Board, and he currently serves as the 
alternate director of the California Walnut Marketing Association.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Graves has served his country and his community with 
pride and determination. I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
congratulating Robert J. Graves as he celebrates his 90th birthday.




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