[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 126 (Wednesday, August 5, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONGRATULATING RAY HAGAR

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate Ray 
Hagar on his retirement after decades of bringing Northern Nevada 
extraordinary news coverage. It gives me great pleasure to recognize 
Ray's hard work and unwavering dedication to the local community and 
for showcasing journalistic integrity and excellence to the Silver 
State.
  Ray is truly a role model to many in the local community, embodying 
the battle-born spirit of genuine loyalty, determination, and 
resilience. He is a fifth-generation Nevadan, bringing unique insight 
to an array of topics, especially in his political coverage. Ray has 
spent time at several news outlets, including the Reno Evening Gazette 
and the Nevada State Journal, and most recently served as a member of 
the political team with the Reno Gazette Journal and as a regular host 
on Nevada's most-watched political talk show, Nevada Newsmakers. His 15 
years of political coverage with the Reno Gazette Journal brought 
Nevadans only the most accurate journalism. He is also the co-author of 
Johnson-Jeffries: Dateline Reno, a novel about the 1910 fight between 
Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries and its effects on Nevada. His lengthy 
and extensive career touched the lives of many across the State, 
keeping residents up-to-date and knowledgeable on key topics.
  Ray always made sure to place himself in the middle of the action to 
gain a full understanding of what he was reporting on. Even as a young 
boy growing up, he was eager to be fully engrossed in his surroundings. 
One story that Ray references as a good learning experience was during 
his football career with Bishop Manogue High School. It was 1969 and 
the Bishop Manogue High School Miners, coached by Christ Ault, were 
playing against Carson High School, my alma mater. The Miners were 
behind but were inside the 5-yard line with enough time to clench a 
final victory. At the time, Ray was playing offensive guard and was 
punched in the face by an opposing player. Ray retaliated, ultimately 
receiving a penalty that caused the Miners to lose the game and was 
kicked off the football team. Later that night, he turned up at Coach 
Ault's home, asking for a second chance and continued on in the season. 
Though I am sure this was devastating at the time, it shows Ray's sense 
of commitment and humility.
  Throughout his career, Ray was a true journalist, gaining insight 
from all sides to convey a thorough picture to his audience. If 
anything important was going on, you could always count on Ray to have 
an accurate story ready to share. I will never forget some of the 
stories that Ray reported on, especially his interaction with former 
New York Yankee manager, Billy Martin. If that doesn't illustrate a 
sincere effort to get the real story, then I don't know what does. I 
had the pleasure of working with Ray using an open-door policy and 
appreciate the relationship we built throughout the years.
  Ray left his footprint on Nevada journalism, a mark that will remain 
in the northern Nevada community for years to come. His legacy of 
thorough and fair coverage will never be forgotten. Surely, future 
political writers will have big shoes to fill after his incredible 
career.
  Ray has demonstrated absolute dedication to excellent reporting, 
bringing Nevada politics outside of the walls of the legislature and 
Congress to audiences across the State. I am both humbled and honored 
by his hard work and am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. Today, I 
ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating an upstanding 
Nevadan and friend, Ray Hagar, on his retirement. I give my deepest 
appreciation for all that he has done and offer him my best wishes for 
many successful and fulfilling years to come.

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