[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 174 (Thursday, January 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING DAVID VAN DYKE FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERISM

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 3, 2013

  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding community leader in West Michigan, and a personal friend.
  David Van Dyke, a dairy farmer from Coopersville, Michigan, was 
recently recognized as the Michigan Farm Bureau's 2012 Volunteer of the 
Year.
  David became involved in a local township issue when he saw a fellow 
farmer put at risk by a planned recreational trail that would have cut 
through the middle of his family farm. The trail would have bisected a 
beef feedlot, threatening the existence of the family business. The 
back half of the property could only be accessed from a point on the 
proposed trail.
  David served as an intermediary between township and county 
officials, Farm Bureau, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 
(MDNR), and various elected officials. He helped engage the farming 
community and concerned neighbors in support of the local farmer and 
helped coordinate the appeal to the county for action.
  The efforts were fruitful. The county ultimately purchased and 
swapped land in the community to entice the MDNR to re-route the trail 
around the family farm.
  Echoing the words of Dave's friend and neighbor, who first nominated 
Van Dyke for Volunteer of the Month, ``Dave is a tireless proponent of 
agriculture and the local farming community. His ability to communicate 
and bring together people with opposing viewpoints has made him an 
excellent leader and liaison for the local agricultural community.''
  ``Dave is someone who can be counted on to go the extra mile by 
donating his time and services for important agricultural and community 
causes.''
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring David Van Dyke for his 
service to his community and for serving as a model volunteer for 
others across Michigan.

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