[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18231]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CHARLIE KRUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Charlie 
Kruse for his 18 years of service as President of the Missouri Farm 
Bureau Federation.
  Over the years, Charlie's uncommonly wise counsel has been a 
blessing, as it was for my late husband, Bill, before me. Whether it 
was changes in agriculture policy, EPA regulations, or even school 
funding, I know I can rely on Charlie and the folks at Missouri Farm 
Bureau to provide, honest, reliable assessments for rural Missouri. But 
more important than Charlie's advice, I appreciate Charlie's 
friendship; and I look forward to keeping it for years to come.
  Missouri Farm Bureau has grown to be an even more effective 
organization under Charlie's strong leadership. When Charlie was 
elected President of the organization in 1992, membership stood at just 
over 75,000. Membership today stands at just under 112,000 members. 
This is a testament to Charlie's leadership and the dedicated staff and 
membership he has surrounded himself with. Moreover, public servants 
from both political parties agree that Missouri Farm Bureau continues 
to be one of the most respected organizations in our state.
  No tribute to Charlie would be complete without mentioning Charlie's 
wife, Pam. I believe it is clear to all that Pam's dedication to her 
husband and her family enabled Charlie to work so hard for rural 
Missouri. Pam's unselfishness and generosity of time and energy are to 
be commended.
  On behalf of the farmers and ranchers of Southern Missouri and the 
grateful constituents of the Eighth Congressional District, I 
congratulate Charlie and Pam on this occasion. Thank you, Charlie, for 
your 18 years of dedicated leadership with Missouri Farm Bureau. Best 
of wishes to you and your family as you pursue new challenges in the 
many bright years ahead of you.

                          ____________________