[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PAUL J. WILMES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul J. Wilmes 
of Nodaway County, Missouri. Paul will soon retire from a 28 year 
career of distinguished service to the rural residents and communities 
of 22 counties in northwest Missouri. Although we wish that Paul could 
stay on at USDA, he has certainly given back to his community, his 
state, and his Nation, and well deserved retirement awaits him, though 
given Paul's reputation for being an active citizen in his community, I 
doubt this is the last we will hear from Paul Wilmes.
  Paul was born on April 22nd, 1953 to Francis and Clara Wilmes of 
Nodaway County; a county I have been fortunate enough to represent 
since 1992 at the state and now federal level. Paul grew up in a devout 
Catholic farm home, and attended St. Gregory's Catholic elementary 
school, followed by Maryville High School where he was active with 
football and wrestling. Upon his graduation from Maryville High School, 
Paul enrolled in Northwest Missouri State University, where he was a 
member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated from Northwest 
with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science.
  On July 10, 1976 he married Robin Lamb. Today, Paul and Robin have 
two children, Meredith and Kyle, and they remain active in their local 
community in Nodaway County. Paul has served as a Trustee for the 
endowment for St. Gregory's School, Advisor to the Area Vocation 
Technical School, Committee Advisor for the Parents as Teacher Program, 
a Bantam League football coach, as well as many other church committees 
and the Finance Board at St. Gregory Barbarigo.
  Paul began his career with USDA on April 18, 1977 working for the 
Farmers Home Administration. He was promoted to the position of County 
Supervisor in Nodaway County, and later advanced to the position of 
District Farm Loan Specialist within the Farmers Home Administration. 
Paul was selected as the District Director of that agency, and on April 
30, 1995, Paul began his tenure supervising 22 rural counties in 
Northwest Missouri. Over the years, the agency has changed its name and 
refocused its mission, but Paul has remained constant as the leader and 
director of what is now known as Area 1 of USDA Rural Development.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paul J. 
Wilmes, a remarkable citizen who exemplifies the qualities of 
dedication and service. While rural Missouri will miss his leadership, 
experience, and knowledge, I will still have the great honor of 
representing Paul in the United States Congress.

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