The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN CELEBRATION OF AMBASSADOR MARION H. SMOAK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1071-E1072 on July 8, 2016.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN CELEBRATION OF AMBASSADOR MARION H. SMOAK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 8, 2016
Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and career of Ambassador Marion H. Smoak as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Ambassador Smoak has dedicated many years to public service and deserves to be commended for his service and dedication to our country.
Ambassador Smoak received a bachelor's degree in English and History from The Citadel in 1938. He went on to receive a law degree from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1941. Shortly after receiving his law degree Ambassador Smoak served in the Army and was stationed in Berlin and New Caledonia, Japan, holding the title of Judge Advocate with the 11th and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Following his tour abroad, he began teaching at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in the Law Department.
Upon leaving his position at West Point, Ambassador Smoak became a legislative liaison officer in Washington, D.C. In this position, he assisted in drafting legislation and performed liaison duties with Congress, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. During his time in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Smoak became Chief of the Legislative Drafting Division for the Judge Advocate General. He served as Chief until his retirement from military service in 1961, leaving with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his retirement from the Army, Ambassador Smoak returned to Aiken County, South Carolina along with his wife, Mary Frances Meister, and their three children, Fred, Mary Frances, and Pat. Serving as a practicing attorney in Aiken County, Ambassador Smoak sought office in the South Carolina State Senate and went on to win the election in 1966. Ambassador Smoak was among the first five Republicans that served in the South Carolina State Senate since Reconstruction. While in the State Senate he served on six committees that included: Agriculture, Atomic and Nuclear Energy, Commerce and Manufactures, Military, and Veteran Affairs. Ambassador Smoak fought for the Compulsory School Bill, realigning voting precincts, and compulsory auto inspections. From 1967 to 1968, he also served in the State Constitutional Revision Commission.
Upon completing his term in the Senate, Ambassador Smoak went on to work at the State Department as the Deputy Chief of Protocol and Chief of Protocol for the President and the Secretary of State from 1969 to 1974. During his time at the State Department Ambassador Smoak participated in many significant events including: the inauguration of President Prastrana of Colombia in 1970, the inauguration of President Echeverria of Mexico in 1970, and the funeral of King Frederick IX of Denmark in 1972. When he retired from the State Department in 1974, he was given the title of Ambassador. His glorious career continued when he was named Co-Chairman on the Committee of Finance for then Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan. Ambassador Smoak went on to practice law at Shipley, Smoak, and Henry of Washington, D.C., where he practiced International Law and officially retired.
Among all his involvement and activities, Ambassador Smoak served as Director of the Ackokeek Foundation and the American Friends of Jamaica. He also served as President of Georgetown Club of Washington and the Fairfax Hunt of Northern Virginia, and assisted in the production of the Red Cross Ball in Palm Beach, Florida as Diplomatic Chairman. Currently, Ambassador Smoak is a member of the Chevy Chase Club and the Metropolitan Club of Washington, the Everglades Club and the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club of Palm Beach Florida.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the career and noble service of Ambassador Smoak. It is with great pride that we thank him for his service, and wish him continued health and happiness with his friends, family, and loved ones.
____________________
