[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 64 (Friday, May 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          A TRIBUTE TO AL REID

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 20, 1994

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the primary role 
models for so many Americans are the glamorous people we see in the 
mass media. Our heroes come not from the real world, but from 
television sports shows, music videos, and movie theaters.
  Certainly, it is not wrong to have sports or film heroes, but it is 
unfortunate that so many of us overlook the heroic qualities of those 
who are not blessed with natural music talent or special athletic 
ability. There are so many other Americans who have qualities that are 
worth our recognition and admiration.
  On of these citizens is Mr. Albert J. Reid of California.
  Mr. Reid is not a sports hero or a movie star. And, he certainly 
won't be making any music videos. But, Al represents what America is 
all about. He served his country in World War II. He raised a family--a 
wife, five children, and eight grandchildren. And, he has worked hard 
his entire life.
  He began a career in outdoor advertising in 1954, becoming a 
prominent player in the industry in California. He was instrumental in 
the implementation of the Highway Beautification Act in California, and 
championed the cause for fair and legal city sign ordinances, 
protecting prominent and historical billboards on the San Francisco 
Skyway and the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.
  For 38 years, Al worked for the same outdoor advertising company. He 
was the prime legislative representative for the company, and was 
active in both the Outdoor Advertising Association for America and the 
California State Outdoor Advertising Association, serving as the 
latter's president for over a decade. And, quite remarkably, during 
this 38 years, Al Reid took only 1 sick day.
  Al also assisted many nonprofit organizations with donations of time, 
billboard space, and money. Organizations promoting traffic safety, 
crime prevention, AIDS awareness, sickle cell anemia awareness, and 
drunk driving prevention are just a few of the groups that benefited 
from his assistance.
  In addition, Al served as a member of the board of directors of the 
SCARE Foundation and the Catholic Youth Organization.
  Al Reid recently celebrated his 70th birthday. He may not be a movie 
star or a sports hero, but he has worked hard, played by the rules, and 
set a good example for others. He is the kind of person who makes 
America the great country that it is.

                          ____________________