[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF MR. FERNANDO ``FRED'' C. MACHADO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 7, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise alongside Representative Jim 
Costa and Representative Devin Nunes to recognize the life and public 
service of Fernando ``Fred'' C. Machado, a farmer, military veteran, 
and long-time advocate of California agriculture.
  Mr. Fred Machado was born on March 4, 1932 and emigrated with his 
family from the Azores Islands of Portugal to the United States at the 
age of sixteen. Fred's parents, Joe F. and Margaret C. Machado, had 
seven children of which, Fred was the oldest. Growing up, Fred worked 
various farm jobs such as milking cows, driving trucks, picking cotton, 
and harvesting grapes.
  At the age of nineteen, Fred joined the United States Navy and served 
aboard the USS Montague AKA 98 during the Korean Conflict. While in the 
military, he saved enough money to buy a car and a used tractor, and 
leased twenty-five acres. He realized his life-long ambition, to be a 
farmer, in 1956 when he bought his first forty acres. In 1957, he 
married his wife, Maxine Finney, and in 1970 expanded his personal 
farming operation to include a fifty-head Holstein dairy that grew over 
the years.
  Mr. Machado joined the Fresno County Farm Bureau in 1957. In 1960, he 
attended an Easton Center meeting and became Vice Chairman. From there, 
Machado climbed the ranks, eventually serving as Fresno County Farm 
Bureau President from 1972 to 1974.
  Mr. Machado was a major presence on agricultural boards and 
committees for decades throughout Fresno County and California. He 
served on the board of directors of the National Milk Producers 
Federation, Challenge Daily, Danish Creamery, and Ag One Foundation. 
Mr. Machado served three years on the Big Fresno Fair Board, appointed 
by President Ronald Reagan. In 1985, Frank Machado received 
Distinguished Service Awards from both the California Farm Bureau, as 
well as the Fresno County Farm Bureau.
  Although dedicated to Central Valley agriculture, Fred Machado loved 
spending time with his family, especially his wife. Together, the 
couple have traveled to twenty-seven countries, and all fifty states. 
According to Fred, his most memorable trip was to South Korea where he 
was awarded the South Korea Veterans Peace Medal by the Ambassador of 
South Korea.
  Sadly, on Monday, July 9, 2018, Fred Machado passed away. Although he 
left us too soon, Fred made a lasting, positive impact on the people he 
met. Fred is survived by his wife Maxine, their three children, and six 
grandchildren. Fred Machado left his community of Fresno County a far 
richer place, and for that we are blessed. He was a loving husband, 
caring father, agricultural champion, and military veteran. There is no 
doubt he will be deeply missed.
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Fernando ``Fred'' C. 
Machado. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends 
during this difficult time.

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