[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FLINN FAMILY AS THE 2012 SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA 
                        OUTSTANDING FARM FAMILY

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Flinn 
family for being selected as the Santa Rosa County, Florida Outstanding 
Farm Family for 2012.
  Shannon Flinn first began farming with his father in his native 
Illinois. From a young age, he has always been actively involved in all 
aspects of farming and personifies the spirit of American ingenuity 
that has helped make our Nation prosperous. His hands-on experience 
helped develop a natural aptitude for finding unique solutions to 
complex problems. In 1972, Shannon moved to Santa Rosa County, Florida, 
and in 1989, he and his wife, Audra, were married. Audra plays an 
instrumental role in their success, especially during the planting and 
harvesting seasons.
  The Flinn family embodies the industrious nature and household unity 
that characterizes our Nation's family farmers. Today, along with their 
three children, the Flinns farm peanuts, cotton, corn, and soybeans on 
500 acres of land in Northwest Florida. Sheldon, 16 years of age, is 
known as an excellent operator and is skilled at using essential farm 
equipment to plow, plant, and harvest the crops. Aaron, still 
relatively young at the age of 11, is a helpful worker who has already 
developed the patience required to think through problems that 
routinely arise on the farm. Megan, their oldest child, currently 
attends nursing school, but still finds time to help out on the farm 
when she is able.
  The Flinn family is also very active in their local church and 
Cobbtown Christian Academy, where Sheldon and Aaron attend school. 
Shannon also serves on both the Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau Board and 
the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative Board of Directors.
  Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their 
families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year 
Award is a reflection of the Flinns' tireless work and their dedication 
to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, 
I would like to offer my congratulations to the Flinn family for this 
great accomplishment. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for 
their continued success.

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