Saluting the Service of Lieutenant Colonel Spencer Hutson Smith

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I present Lieutenant Colonel Spencer Hutson Smith, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His life and career are a testament to his exceptional character and unwavering commitment to service.

On active duty from 1973 to 1997, Lt. Col. Smith served in various locations around the globe, including Quantico, London, Brussels, Hong Kong, Australia, and Turkey. In 1990, Lt, Col. Smith was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm He played a critical role in contingency operations in Beirut, Lebanon, where he developed essential emergency plans. Notably, Lt. Col. Smith served on Marine Helicopter Squadron One responsible for Executive Transport for President Ronald Reagan and was the Marine One Command Pilot for President George H.W. Bush. His dedication earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Service Badge and the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. Smith continued to serve his community with the same passion. He served for six years as the Mayor of Harker Heights, following 14 years of work in Harker Heights city government. His contributions also extended to the Greater Killeen and Harker Heights Chambers of Commerce and as a tri-county soccer official. His leadership extends to his faith community as well, where he has held the title of deacon at Temple Bible Church since 2007, following a decade of service as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Killeen.

I join Lt. Col. Smith's family, friends, and colleagues in saluting his honorable contributions to our Nation and to Texas. He is a deserving recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation and a deeply valued member of our community.

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