[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TED RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of 
an outstanding individual, Ted Ryan. Mr. Ryan was one of amateur 
radio's most prolific teachers, instructing thousands from 1964 to 
2000. He also pioneered the teaching of ham radio in the Los Angeles 
Unified School District.
  He was born on March 15, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan. He served in 
World War II in Panama, and earned the Legion of Merit for his work on 
a gunnery system. He studied at the University of Southern California 
and California State University, Northridge.
  Ted Ryan started his extensive amateur radio career in 1964, teaching 
free licensing classes at the San Fernando Amateur Radio Club, W6SD. 
The club grew to one of the largest and best run in the country because 
of his skill and competence. From 1970 to 1982, he taught electric shop 
and ham radio at John Burroughs Junior High School. After retiring from 
teaching full-time, he continued to teach at the Red Cross.
  Mr. Ryan saw ham radio as more than just an interesting hobby. He 
told his students that, if they were drafted, a ham radio license could 
``put a microphone instead of a rifle'' in their hands. He was fond of 
saying that amateur radio saved the lives of many of his students 
during the Vietnam War. Mr. Ryan also emphasized the importance of 
public service, and taught his students to be ready to go onto 
emergency power in the case of an emergency.
  Ted Ryan is also remembered for his kindness and devotion to his 
students. He liked to be called ``Grandpa,'' and told his students 
``Grandpa loves you.'' He always came to school early and stayed late, 
often inviting students to his house on Saturday mornings for tutoring 
sessions and extra help.
  Mr. Ryan touched the lives of all he knew. I am proud to honor the 
memory of Ted Ryan, ham radio license number WB6JXY.

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