[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF MAX CORBETT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
public service of Max Corbett, a veteran, a teacher, and a powerful 
steward of our Nation's rich agricultural heritage.
  Some people in this world become larger than life, not because of 
their physical size or presence, but because of the number of people 
they influence in their lifetime. Max Corbett, or Corbett as I called 
him, was both a father figure and big brother to many. His influence 
has been felt throughout the San Joaquin Valley and our country.
  Corbett was born and raised on a dairy farm. In 1968 he enlisted to 
fight for his country in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart and a 
Bronze Star. Upon returning home, he attended college at California 
State University, Fresno, graduating in 1975.
  Following college, Corbett moved to Tulare. It was here, in a rural 
San Joaquin Valley community, that he would touch the lives of several 
generations of farmers and help to transform agriculture education.
  For more than 31 years, Corbett taught the next generation of farmers 
at Tulare High Schools--where he became chairman of the school's 
Agriculture Department. For 25 years, he was dairy and farm manager.
  Always humble, Corbett praised the Tulare Future Farmers of America--
unwilling to take credit for his own enormous impact. However, it was 
under his leadership that the Tulare FFA became one of California's 
most active chapters. Corbett also led the Tulare dairy team to win the 
1984 national title.
  Both as a coach, and community activist, Corbett fought every day to 
develop Ag leaders of the future. By 1989, he was recognized as one of 
12 Teachers of Excellence for the entire State of California.
  Corbett's proudest accomplishment can be found in his loving family. 
He enjoyed a 36-year marriage with wife, Mary, and was the father of 
three children, Michele, Max and James.
  Max Corbett left his community of Tulare a far richer place than the 
one he found over 30 years ago, and for that we are blessed. He was a 
leader, a mentor, a patriot and above all else he was my friend.

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