[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING MR. MERL DEAN SWIHART 86TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Mr. Merl Dean 
Swihart as he celebrates his 86th birthday. Merl is an extraordinary 
individual who has enriched the lives of many Hoosiers throughout 
Marshall County.
   Merl was born in Argos, Indiana on July 7, 1928, to Ford and Faye 
Swihart, where along with his five siblings; spent their childhood 
working on the family's 80 acre farm. On the farm he helped raise 
livestock and tended to the crops. The values Merl learned while 
working on the family farm would have a profound impact on his future 
endeavors. Merl graduated from Argos High School in 1948. After high 
school Merl worked for two years at Indiana Metal and on his neighbor's 
farm. In 1951, Merl was called to serve his country and was drafted to 
the United States Marine Corps, where he served in Santa Ana, 
California at the Air Facility. In 1953, Merl was honorably discharged 
and returned to working for Indiana Metal and farming. Merl moved to 
Chicago where he used his G.I. Bill to further his education in 
agriculture at the Illinois School of Technology.
   After several years in Illinois, Merl returned to Marshall County 
where he worked as a custodian and maintenance technician for Plymouth 
Community School Corporation for 36 years. Merl retired in 1993, and 
was awarded the key to the City of Plymouth for his dedicated service 
to the community. During his retirement Merl served as the Grand 
Marshall of Plymouth's Blueberry Festival Parade and generously donated 
his time and efforts to the community by mowing lawns, shoveling snow 
and volunteering to do handy work at the local church.
   Throughout Merl's life, he has demonstrated a deep-rooted commitment 
to his family, friends and country. Our community owes a great deal of 
respect and gratitude to the incredible service of individuals like 
Merl who have devoted so much of their time to serve others.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in celebration of Mr. Merl Dean 
Swihart's 86th birthday and admirable service to our great communities 
and nation.

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