[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RAY ALEXANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ray Alexander on 
his retirement from KRGV television station in Weslaco, TX. His 
dedication to providing and bringing the news to the Rio Grande Valley 
has been an invaluable service.
  Mr. Alexander has served as general manager for KRGV for 26 years. 
During his time at the television station, KRGV has become a leader in 
both national and local news, covering the most important stories and 
issues of the Valley community. The station has been honored with 
several regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one National Edward R. Murrow 
award and an Emmy award. The station has also received the Texas 
Association of Broadcasters Bonner McClain Award.
  The tremendous responsibility of managing a TV station has not 
stopped Mr. Alexander from serving in civic affairs. He has served in 
leadership positions for both the National Association of Broadcasters 
and Texas Association of Broadcasters. He won two of the Texas 
Association of Broadcasters' most prestigious awards--``Broadcaster of 
the Year'' in 1988 and the ``Pioneer of the Year'' in 2002.
  Mr. Alexander has also gained prominence for his community and 
charitable work. He has dedicated much of his time to the South Texas 
Chapter of the United Way; the McAllen, TX chapter of the Boys and 
Girls Club; and won the Easter Seals Society Rio Grande Valley Chapter 
``Humanitarian of the Year'' in 2001.
  As the area continues to grow and face new challenges, it is 
important to always have dedicated journalists to better inform our 
citizens. I have had a great working relationship with Mr. Alexander 
and KRGV throughout my congressional career. As Mr. Alexander moves on, 
I look forward to working with KRGV in the future in keeping our 
community abreast of the important issues.
  There is no doubt that Mr. Alexander will continue to be an 
inspirational leader in south Texas. I wish him and his family the best 
as he moves on to another fulfilling chapter in his life.

                          ____________________