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[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                         TRIBUTE TO JERRY JORY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, in the mid-1960's, when I first decided to 
seek political office, I ran for a seat on the hospital board of 
trustees for Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital. This was not considered 
a political plum, nor did the race engender much public attention. For 
me, however, it was incredibly significant, as most firsts are.
  I mention this because during that campaign, I met a man who, without 
motive or want, came to me offering support and assistance in my 
campaign. He owned a pawn shop in downtown Las Vegas, heard I needed 
help, and offered it. Since then, I have been the lucky beneficiary of 
Jerry Jory's support as a friend, as an advisor, and as an ally. And he 
has never asked for anything in return--because that's the kind of guy 
he is.
  On Friday, June 16, Jerry will be honored by the many friends he has 
made at a special tribute sponsored by the Las Vegas Police Protective 
Association. I can say, without hesitation, that there is no one more 
deserving of this attention than my friend, Jerry Jory.
  Jerry is perhaps most well known for his service to his country as a 
member of the U.S. Navy and as a captain in the Naval Reserve. During 
the Korean war, he served on the U.S.S. Bremerton as a cryptographer 
breaking Korean and Russian codes. As an active reservist in the 
Vietnam war, Jerry served in the Pentagon in the sensitive and highly 
classified position in charge of the staffing of troops and officers. 
Since then, Jerry has continued to serve our country in the reserves, 
and he is held in high esteem by his peers and his subordinates because 
of his thoughtful and even-tempered approach to whatever task is 
assigned.
  Since my election to the Congress in 1982 and the Senate in 1986, 
Jerry has been my military adviser, and I have relied on his opinion 
and counsel. He has also served as the chairman of my Academy selection 
committee. As a result of his efforts, that committee has developed the 
strongest selection outreach program in the country and Nevada has sent 
stellar candidates to our military academies.
  Jerry is the finest example of a patriot that I know--a man who 
serves with an unassuming yet passionate and dignified love for his 
country.
  Jerry Jory earned a degree in education and was prepared to enter the 
teaching profession. However, after returning from Korea, he received 
an offer to become partners in a pawn shop in Las Vegas. For 40 years, 
Jerry has operated the Hock Shop, and for those 40 years, he has been a 
compassionate, determined, and persistent leader in our business 
community. He has earned a reputation for his sincere concern for his 
fellow human beings, and there is no one who, needing his help, is ever 
refused.
  In addition to all of his work for his community and his country, 
Jerry has also been a devoted family man. Together with his wife June, 
they have raised ten wonderful children--Teri, Toni, Jerry, Jason, 
Shannon, April, Kit, Sean, Kelly, and Gary. I personally don't know how 
Jerry has found the time for all that he does; but he must be doing 
something right--everyone who knows him can tell by the smile on his 
face.
  Jerry has faced many battles in his life, but today he may be facing 
his toughest. He has recently been diagnosed with cancer, and he will 
confront this illness with the same determination that he has shown his 
entire life. And I know there will be hundreds of friends standing 
beside him to help.
  I am proud to be Jerry's friend, and I wish him the very best as he 
is honored by the community that is his home.

                          ____________________
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