[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO MARILYN ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
``Farm Safety 4 Just Kids'' founder Marilyn Adams, and to express my 
appreciation for her dedication and commitment in her years of service 
to the young people of Iowa.
  In 1986, Marilyn tragically lost her eleven-year-old son in a farm 
accident in rural Earlham, Iowa. In dealing with the tragedy, Marilyn 
saw an opportunity to spare other families from the pain her family had 
gone through and began Farm Safety 4 Just Kids one year later in 1987. 
Since founding FS4JK 25 years ago, Marilyn has seen her program educate 
over six million people across North America on farm safety. Over the 
course of 25 years, more than 35,600 volunteers have donated over 
280,000 hours of their time to protect the lives of children in the 
farming community.
  Today, FS4JK has more than 120 local chapters across both America and 
Canada that offer farm safety presentations in their communities. Last 
year alone, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids held more than 1,100 local events 
for a staggering 170,000 children. What Farm Safety 4 Just Kids has 
accomplished in the last quarter-century is nothing short of amazing. 
But those who know Marilyn won't be surprised to hear that she credits 
the program's remarkable success to the efforts of her family and her 
support network that have stood behind her since 1987.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Ms. Adams for her sincere devotion to 
positively impact the lives of others in her community, state, and 
country. Marilyn's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a 
testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic 
instilled in Iowans. While Marilyn's daily contribution to FS4JK will 
surely be missed, she leaves behind an organization stronger than ever 
with a dedicated staff that are committed to its mission. I know I 
speak for all of my colleagues in the United States House in 
congratulating Marilyn, thanking her for her noble efforts, and wishing 
her a long, happy and healthy retirement as she enters this new chapter 
of her life.

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