Washington, DC –Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) announced today that she has introduced legislation (H.R. 5591) to designate the FAA facility at Spokane International Airport the “Ray Daves Air Traffic Control Tower.”  Ray Daves is a veteran of World War II and a retired air traffic controller who has made Spokane his home for the past 65 years.  He is celebrating his 90^th birthday this month. 

“I am proud to take this action on behalf of Ray Daves, who represents the best of the Spokane community and America,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.   “By naming the Control Tower after Ray, we will remind all those who enter the Tower of this great American, plus all the sacrifices that were made by Ray and his generation.”

"I would like to applaud Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her involvement in making the renaming of the Spokane Air Traffic Control Tower in Mr. Ray Daves' honor come to fruition,” said a spokesperson for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.  “This commendation will not only commemorate his life, but bring recognition to all sacrifices and accomplishments made by his generation, whose service to our country will not be forgotten.  Thanks to Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her support of the service men and women who have, and continue to, defend our country."

Ray Daves is a Pearl Harbor survivor, a Yorktown survivor, and a Purple Heart recipient.  He currently volunteers his time to educate others about the Honor Flight program so all veterans may get a chance to visit the World War II Memorial built in their honor.