[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16996]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN FARMER

  (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the spirit of the American farmer.
  A 31-year-old farmer from Hammond, Illinois, tragically succumbed to 
cancer in September of this year. Kyle Hendrix was an avid golfer, 
farmer, and family man who left behind a wife and two young children.
  His untimely passing brought out the best in his rural Piatt County 
community. In the middle of the harvest season, his friends and family 
organized a tribute of over 60 tractors and other pieces of farming 
equipment that lined up along Bement Road to honor Kyle's life. And all 
of the equipment, worth millions of dollars, had the keys left in the 
ignition overnight without a single worry.
  Thanks to the photographer, Matt Rubel, who captured the moment, the 
story has now gone viral. Matt said:

       It seems to me that farming communities all over the 
     country may still hold the key to what makes this country a 
     shining beacon in a world of trouble.

  Matt, I agree. This rural community story is a tribute to rural 
American values.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to Kyle's family and friends, and may 
God grant him favor.

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