[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THANKING DALTON YANCEY FOR OVER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO AMERICAN 
      AGRICULTURE AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON HIS RECENT RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with both enthusiasm 
and heavy heart that I rise today to congratulate Mr. Dalton Yancey on 
his recent retirement from the Florida, Texas, and Hawaii Sugar Cane 
Growers.
  For over 35 years, Dalton has represented and advocated on behalf of 
American agriculture. An expert in U.S. agriculture policy, Dalton has 
specialized in sugar, citrus and trade policy, ensuring that American 
growers and farmers are always given a level playing field on which to 
compete with foreign growers. He is the past President of the Commodity 
Club of Washington, DC, and the former Board Chair of the American 
Sugar Alliance. A true testament to his knowledge, Dalton has been 
appointed by three American Presidents to serve on the Agricultural 
Trade Advisory Committee for Sweeteners.
  In addition to his professional duties, Dalton is extensively 
involved in many activities throughout his community. As an officer in 
the U.S. Army, Dalton served in Germany and Vietnam, receiving the 
Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. In 1969, he was a key member of 
Operation Holy Task Force, which brought Bob Hope to Southeast Asia.
  Dalton has been active with the University of Florida Alumni 
Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Florida State Society. 
I have seen Dalton in action with all of these organizations, as well 
as the Faith and Politics Institute since its inception 16 years ago. 
The two of us have been together at more prayer breakfasts and meetings 
organized by the Institute than I can even begin to count. As a member 
of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Northern Virginia, Dalton and 
his wife of 33 years, Barbara--known by many of us as Barbie--are as 
committed to their church as they are to everything that they do.
  Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Dalton 
throughout my career in the House of Representatives. It goes without 
saying that the people of Florida are losing a tremendous advocate with 
Dalton's retirement. He is not only an exceptional advocate on behalf 
of the people in my district, but a real friend to me.
  I have often sought Dalton's advice and counsel not only on 
agricultural issues, but on so many other things that we consider here 
in the halls of Congress. He is, under every definition in the book, a 
true Southern gentleman. I thank Dalton for his service, wish him luck 
in this new and exciting chapter in his life, and implore him that he 
not stray too far from those of us who will miss him most.

                          ____________________