[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         REMEMBERING RAY BISHOP

 Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
a great Wyoming citizen: Col. Raymond ``Ray'' Corbett Bishop, retired. 
Col. Bishop was an experienced leader who devoted his life to serving 
the country and State he loved.
  Ray grew up as part of a military family originally from Douglas, WY. 
His formative years were spent in a number of States, including Hawaii 
and Utah. Though he traveled extensively with his parents, Loren and 
Eleanor, and his two siblings, John and Helen, Ray's roots were firmly 
planted on Wyoming soil. He returned to the State to attend college at 
the University of Wyoming. In 1970, he graduated with his bachelor of 
science degree in ecology and received his commission from the U.S. Air 
Force ROTC program. This distinct honor became the first in a long line 
of achievements earned while serving his country.
  Ray had a successful career in the U.S. Air Force. He was driven and 
focused and honorably served his country for over 25 years. He had a 
distinct talent for flying. Throughout his service, Ray completed two 
combat tours in Vietnam and logged over 4,100 hours of flight time 
piloting B-52 and C-7A aircraft. Ray continued his record of leadership 
with a number of other assignments. He was commander at a number of 
bases, including 325th Bomb Squadron Commander at Fairchild Air Force 
Base, Operations Commander at Anderson Air Force Base, and Wing 
Commander at Castle Air Force Base. He was also a skilled educator, 
providing training for T38 pilots and serving as the Strategic Air 
Command Chair at the Air War College in Alabama.
  Ray met each new assignment with enthusiasm and fortitude. He earned 
many accolades during his years of service. In addition to the Air 
Force Commendation Medal, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross 
and numerous other Meritorious Service Medals. These accomplishments 
and his Active-Duty service highlight his extraordinary patriotism.
  Following his military career, Ray continued his service in the 
aviation industry as the director of airports for Kern County, 
California. He served in this position until 2006, when Wyoming 
welcomed his return. Settling in Jackson, he became the director of the 
Jackson Hole Airport. He successfully rose to the challenge of 
directing the only commercial airport located in a national park. In 
the years he served as director, Ray brought the airport to new heights 
of success. Under his guidance, the airport experienced over 
$80,000,000 in capital improvements, including a complete renovation 
and expansion of the main terminal.
  Safety was Ray's first priority, and the runway was improved with 
several safety features that many larger airports have yet to 
implement. During his tenure, the airport received both airline and FAA 
accolades and national recognition for the terminal updates. Ray loved 
Grand Teton National Park, and he was proud of the strong working 
relationship between the park and the airport's board members that made 
the airport renovations possible.
  Ray retired in late 2014 and decided to remain in the area so that he 
could continue to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Jackson Hole area. 
According to friends, Ray was most at peace when he was in his boat on 
Jackson Lake. In addition, he was a seasoned triathlete and had been 
training to run in an international marathon.
  Ray is survived by his wife, Debbie, and his children, Brian and 
Kristina Bishop, Abbey and Mike Donley, and Clark and Christine Bishop. 
He loved his grandchildren, Megan Bishop, Elise Bishop, and William 
Donley; his sister, Helen Thompson, and her husband, Fred.
  Wyoming flies a little higher because of Ray Bishop's service. We 
thank Ray for his service to our Nation and Wyoming. We will miss him, 
but we are confident that his legacy lives on and can be seen by all 
who visit the Jackson Hole Airport.

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