12/17/02
For 20 years, farmers from Southside Virginia and across the state have turned to Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, for help with their legislative needs. And for 19 years, Farm Bureau women have been competently represented on the national and international scene by Helen B. Neese of Shenandoah County, immediate past chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee.
Both individuals were honored with the 2002 VFBF Distinguished Service Award on Dec. 3 at the VFBF 77th Annual Convention in Hot Springs.
“As chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Hawkins has been a strong proponent for Virginia farmers and rural Virginians,” said Bruce L. Hiatt, VFBF president.
A humble dairy farm in Shenandoah County has been the home base for the travels of Helen B. Neese over the past 19 years. Mrs. Neese is retiring from the VFBF Board of Directors this year.
She is a past secretary of the national Country Women’s Council, representing the AFBF Women’s Committee.