[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E138-E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WALTER HAGAN

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, few of us have the opportunity, desire, 
or even the ability to spend 50 years in any one profession. Those of 
us who do accomplish this amazing feat deserve special commendation.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Walter Hagan of 
Dallas, TX, as he celebrates his 50th year in the airline business. Mr. 
Hagan's half-century tenure is particularly 

[[Page E139]]
remarkable as the airline industry is highly competitive, oftentimes 
turbulent, and never a cake walk.
  Mr. Hagan started working for American Overseas Airline at LaGuardia 
Field on January 10, 1946. After working as an operations 
representative, he was transferred to Paris, Copenhagen, and then 
London where he was appointed relief station manager for Europe. He 
returned to the United States where he worked his way up at American 
from lead agent in Dallas in 1949 to Dallas sales representative in 
1964. After holding various positions with Braniff Airlines in the late 
1960's and 1970's, Mr. Hagan returned to American Airlines in 1982 to 
serve as manager of special services.
  It was in this latest position that I had the opportunity to see Mr. 
Hagan in operation and understand why he's been such a valued employee 
for 50 years. Mr. Speaker, Walter Hagan has extended hospitality to 
many Members of Congress, Senators, and other VIP's at the Dallas 
Airport. Luminaries such as Dolly Parton, Roger Staubach, and many 
others celebrated his 50 years with a January 10 luncheon in Dallas.
  While Mr. Hagan recently announced his formal retirement, Mr. Hagan's 
admirers were not surprised to learn that he's still helping out at his 
office. So, even in retirement, Walter Hagan is still contributing and 
adding on to his now 50-plus years in the airline industry.

                          ____________________