[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 20 (Thursday, February 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO A COMMUNITY LEADER: LEO SMITH

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
volunteer and advocate, Leo Smith.
  Mr. Smith, a tireless defender of social justice, died Wednesday, 
January 13th at the age of 80 after a lifetime of standing up for what 
he believed in.
  Remembered by many as conscientous, Mr. Smith belonged to many church 
and public service groups including several that looked out for the 
rights of seniors. Working with a Southern Maryland group that aimed to 
improve housing conditions and eliminate open-air drug markets, he was 
often a mentor and a leader.
  Mr. Smith was a founding member of the local chapter of the AARP 
(American Association of Retired Persons) and was the La Plata Richard 
R. Clark Senior Center's representative in 1994. It was in that year 
that the AARP, Sheriff's office, State Police and La Plata police 
signed an agreement to form TRIAD to both reduce crime and help seniors 
become more aware of protecting themselves.
  Occasionally described as controversial because he went all out for 
what he believed, Mr. Smith was described by one of his co-workers as 
``a selfless community servant''. The seniors of Charles County and the 
citizens of Southern Maryland will sorely miss his enthusiastic spirit 
and informed voice.
  Leo Smith was born in Washington, DC and served in WWII in the U.S. 
Navy. He worked for 30 years for the U.S. Government in Greenbelt at 
NASA. He is survived by his wife Mary, five sons and six daughters.

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