[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RECOGNIZING RAY POOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ray Pool for 
the outstanding contributions he has made to the farming community in 
Madera and the entire San Joaquin Valley. Ray is more than deserving to 
be honored as Senior Farmer of the Year by the Madera Chamber of 
Commerce.
  Ray has strong roots in Madera County. Upon graduating from Madera 
High School, Ray joined the United States Air Force where he developed 
a love for flying planes. When World War II ended, he moved to Nevada 
where his father owned a cattle ranch. He herded wild horses with an 
airplane, but unfortunately, it ended after a short time due to an 
accident he endured losing his leg and an eye. In 1950, he moved back 
to Madera where he began a lifelong journey of farming.
  Ray's many accomplishments can be attributed to his determination and 
willingness to never give up. The first time he grew cotton, corn, and 
alfalfa, he nearly lost all of his money. However, instead of giving 
up, he worked for Cal-Air Dusters to earn extra cash. He saved enough 
to start his own crop dusting company, Ray Pool Dusting. As a crop 
duster, Ray met several farmers, and he formed partnerships that 
ultimately resulted in the expansion of his farm. By 1971, in addition 
to crop dusting, Ray was also farming 225 acres of almonds and 150 
acres of grapevines.
  Flying and farming will always have a special place in Ray's heart, 
but his achievements would never have been possible if not for the 
support of his devoted wife, Audrey. Ray and Audrey haven given back to 
their community in so many ways, and they must be commended for all of 
their great efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to recognize Ray Pool as the Senior Farmer of 
the Year presented by the Madera Chamber of Commerce. Ray's success is 
exemplary of the American Dream, and he serves an inspiration for all 
of us.

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