[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN YAKLIGIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Yakligian 
for being named the 2016 Senior Farmer of the Year by the Madera 
Chamber of Commerce. John's outstanding contributions to the 
agriculture industry and the Madera community are truly deserving of 
this special honor.
  In 1955, John and his wife, Lois, moved to Madera County and began 
their journey of farming together. Over the last 62 years, they have 
farmed a variety of crops including: almonds, raisins, chickens, 
cotton, small grains, vegetable feed crops, and beans.
  Giving back has always been a priority for John. In addition to 
serving on numerous California Farm Bureau Federation committees and as 
the President of the Madera County Farm Bureau, John served for 15 
years on the Madera Community Hospital Board. He has been a member of 
the Madera Rotary Club for 42 years and is a founder and active member 
of the Grace Community Church. John is also a veteran and served in the 
U.S. Army during the Korean War.
  In addition to farming, John volunteered for 35 years at a non-profit 
organization, Far East Broadcasting Company, before becoming employed 
as the organization's Executive Vice President and CEO. The 
organization broadcasts to two-thirds of the world's population in over 
141 languages to over one hundred countries.
  John's family is very important to him. Lois and John have two 
children, Phillip and Jane, five grandchildren, and seven great 
grandsons. John and Lois have given back to their community in many 
ways, and it is fitting and appropriate to honor them for their 
accomplishments and efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to recognize John as the Senior Farmer of the 
Year presented by the Madera Chamber of Commerce. John's success is 
exemplary of the American Dream, and he serves as an inspiration for 
all of us.

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