[Page S13654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO DICK FORD

<bullet> Mr. TALENT. Mr. Present, today I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of Dick Ford, one of the most respected broadcast 
journalists in the St. Louis area. After more than 50 years of media 
service around the country, Mr. Ford will be retiring today, December 
15, 2005. He will be greatly missed by viewers in the St. Louis area 
and in the field of journalism as a whole.
  After receiving a bachelor of science degree in political science 
from the University of Pittsburgh and serving on active duty aboard an 
aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean, Dick began his professional 
career in 1951 and went on to work in a number of States as a reporter, 
news director, and anchor.
  After having established himself as a prominent journalist, Mr. Ford 
came to the St. Louis area where he began working at KSDK-TV. In July 
1992, he joined KTVI Fox 2, from which he will retire.
  In his distinguished career, Mr. Ford has been honored with the 
prestigious Emmy Award, among other recognitions of his journalistic 
talent and integrity.
  The many hallmarks of his career include a training mission in an F-4 
Phantom jet, live reports from Rome when Sister Philippine Duchesne was 
canonized, reports on a nuclear submarine and from the flight deck of 
an aircraft carrier and travels to Saudi Arabia to report on Desert 
Storm.
  In addition to his passion for journalism, Dick Ford is a committed 
father and husband. He is also passionate about the community of St. 
Louis. Mr. Ford currently works with the USO and the St. Patrick's Day 
Parade Committee, among other St. Louis area organizations.
  In his work, both as a journalist and a community leader, Dick has 
won the respect of his colleagues and viewers alike. I have appreciated 
very much Dick's dedication and professionalism. He sought more than 
just the story--he wanted to get the story right. In his interviews 
with me, he never hesitated to ask the tough questions, but he was 
always fair about it.
  Dick, congratulations on your many contributions to the great State 
of Missouri and your tremendously successful career.<bullet>

                          ____________________