[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4687-S4688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RAYMOND REID

 Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a great patriot who has served over 54 years in the Federal Government. 
On May 15, 1997, Raymond ``Ray'' T. Reid, retired from the U.S. House 
of Representatives, where he worked as a chief of staff for 23 years, 
lending his expertise and leadership to three different Congressmen 
representing the Third District of Arkansas. I was one of those 
fortunate Members who had the privilege of working with Ray for the 4 
years that I served in the House. When I was first elected to Congress 
in 1992, I replaced John Paul Hammerschmidt, a retiring Member who had 
represented the Third District for 26 years, and had become a legend 
both on Capitol Hill and in the State of Arkansas. However, it was no 
secret that behind this great politician was Ray Reid, a man who over 
the years had become an Arkansas legend himself. When John Paul 
retired, his work continued on through Ray's service and dedication. As 
a newly elected freshman, Ray provided my office with continuity, 
efficiency, stability, and a wisdom that could only come from 19 years 
of being a chief of staff.
  The successful career of Ray Reid began long before he worked on 
Capitol Hill. Ray began his career back in 1942 when he left Bowdoin 
College in Brunswick, ME, to join the U.S. Army to defend our Nation in 
World War II. Following the war, he rose quickly up the ranks, 
receiving honors for his leadership ability and outstanding 
achievement. He made the Army his career for 31 years, where he served 
on both foreign soil and here in the United States. Ray moved his 
family several times, living in countries around the globe. He fought 
for freedom and justice in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam in addition 
to faithfully serving his country in peacetime.
  He continued his service undiminished until December 31, 1973, when 
he retired from the Army as a colonel. Having worked in the Office of 
the Congressional Liaison at the Pentagon, Ray was able to make a 
smooth, natural transition to working in a congressional office. He 
brought to Congressman Hammerschmidt's office a vast degree of 
knowledge from several years of international exposure and a solid 
background in domestic policy. By the time Ray came to work for me, he 
was an invaluable resource who possessed a wealth of information and 
experience. Throughout his tenure as chief of staff in my office, he 
provided guidance and an institutional knowl-

[[Page S4688]]

edge which would have been difficult to match. I can say without 
hesitance that Ray Reid conducted legislative business with the highest 
ethical standards. The best interests of the residents of the Third 
District were always placed above partisan politics and our office was 
managed in a way that was beyond reproach. When I moved over to the 
Senate, Ray demonstrated his commitment to the constituents of the 
Third District once again by agreeing to see another freshman, my 
brother, Asa, through the transition process.
  So, today, as Ray enjoys the first Monday that he doesn't need to go 
to work after over a half a century of public service, on behalf of the 
State of Arkansas and the people he touched here on Capitol Hill, I 
want to offer my deepest thanks to a man whose loyalty and friendship 
will not be forgotten. Truly a job well done.

                          ____________________