[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7218]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING LARRY E. GABRIEL

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to honor South Dakota 
Secretary of Agriculture Larry E. Gabriel. This month, Secretary 
Gabriel retired after nearly 7 years in office since his appointment in 
May of 2000.
  Secretary Gabriel was born and raised on a ranch in western South 
Dakota and received his bachelor of science degree in agricultural 
economics at South Dakota State University. While in college, he was 
recognized as the 1969 Doane's Outstanding Agricultural Economics 
Student.
  Throughout his career, Secretary Gabriel has spent many years 
committed to public service, including roles as Haakon County 
Commissioner from 1975 to 1982 and State legislator from 1983 to 1998. 
He spent 6 years as the house majority leader while in the South Dakota 
House of Representatives, and currently serves as a member of the 
hospital board in Philip, SD.
  Secretary Gabriel's dedication to South Dakota agriculture has made a 
defining impact in strengthening and sustaining the economy of our 
State. His strong support of rural economic development and assistance 
to young producers has brought increased vitality and prosperity to our 
agriculture industry.
  I also would like to recognize Secretary Gabriel's wife Charlotte and 
his family for their support and sacrifice which allowed him to serve 
South Dakota for over 30 years.
  It is with great honor that I remember and honor the service provided 
by Secretary Larry E. Gabriel to South Dakota. May he always be 
recognized for his lifetime of service to South Dakota agriculture. On 
behalf of a grateful State, I wish Secretary Gabriel all the best in 
his retirement.

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