[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S256-S257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          REMEMBERING RAY REID

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Ray 
Reid, a devoted champion of Arkansas and its citizens, affectionately 
known as Arkansas's `fifth congressman.'
  Ray dedicated his life to public service, serving more than 30 years 
in the Army including three wars--WWII, Korea and Vietnam--before 
retiring as a colonel and continuing his commitment to this country 
serving for more than 23 years as chief of staff for three of 
Arkansas's Third Congressional District Congressmen--John Paul 
Hammerschmidt, Tim Hutchinson and Asa Hutchinson.
  As a loyal staffer, Ray was an ambassador of and to Arkansas, going 
above and beyond to help resolve issues constituents had with the 
Federal Government. Under his guidance, Congressman Hammerschmidt laid 
the groundwork for successful constituent service. Ray recognized that 
the key to good governing and good public service is that you treat 
everyone fairly and set political differences aside.
  Congressman Hammerschmidt recently said of his former right-hand man 
that he was the best administrative assistant in the House during his 
service. Upon his retirement Congressman Asa Hutchinson said Ray was 
known to be one of the most knowledgeable men in Washington.
  When I was elected to Congress in 2001, Ray went out of his way to 
help us get on the right track. His skills and experiences were vital 
to helping us build a strong foundation to serve the people of the 
Third District.
  Despite working in the minority for much of his career, Ray managed 
to accomplish great things for Arkansas because of the long-lasting 
relationships he built. Certainly Ray saw many changes in the Third 
Congressional District during his years of service to Arkansas and many 
can be credited to his efforts. Ray had a hand on many infrastructure 
projects including Interstate 540 and the Northwest Arkansas Regional 
Airport.
  In a recent interview, Congressman Hammerschmidt fondly recalled 
Ray's passion for the Natural State: ``Ray really loved Arkansas,'' he 
said. Ray helped change the landscape of Arkansas. His impact is far 
reaching and his legacy is evident in the Third Congressional District.
  The State of Arkansas has lost a true friend who went to great 
lengths to make it a better place.

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