[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         TRIBUTE TO JERRY MARKS

 Mr. DAINES. Madam President, today I have the distinct honor 
of recognizing Gerald ``Jerry'' W. Marks of Missoula County for his 
service to his community during his tenure as the county's longest 
serving employee.
  Growing up on a farm near Townsend, MT, Jerry went on to lead an 
accomplished life from his time in the U.S. Army serving overseas in 
Vietnam, to receiving quality education based in agriculture and public 
service from Montana State University and the University of Montana. 
His studies served him well as he began his long career as Missoula 
County's Agriculture Extension Agent in 1969. To provide some context, 
Jerry has been serving his community longer than we have had a man on 
the moon.
  Jerry built programs and partnerships centered around agriculture, 
horticulture, and community development. During his tenure, Jerry 
increased the enrollment and community participation in 4-H by 30 
percent, helped establish the Extension Forestry Program in 1983, and 
developed the County Weed Control Program in 1985. Jerry's most recent 
project, which took decades to finish, was the completion of the Gerald 
W. Marks Exploration Center and Rocky Mountain Gardens located on the 
Missoula County Fairgrounds, which fittingly bears his name.
  Jerry and his wife of 51 years, Sharon, have two children and four 
grandchildren. Hailing from South Dakota, Sharon also grew up on a farm 
and had a career as an extension agent. The Markses enjoy sewing arts, 
growing plants, creative cooking, and supporting Missoula's arts 
community. After 55 years of service to his community, Jerry is set to 
retire March 1, 2024, and I have no doubt he will keep busy with his 
many hobbies and friends throughout Missoula County.
  It is my distinct honor to recognize Jerry Marks for his life of 
service to the Missoula community. His favorite quote epitomizes his 
life's work. ``Do not fear the head winds, for they will make your 
program stronger.'' Thanks for your tireless work, Jerry, you make 
Montana proud and are one of the reasons it remains The Last Best 
Place.

                          ____________________