[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    SALUTING THE SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL SPENCER HUTSON SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2025

  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.

                          ____________________