[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 94 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CLYDE SMYTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2008

  Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege for me to rise 
today to recognize the contributions of Clyde Smyth, a member of my 
staff since 1994. Clyde has generously served the United States and the 
Santa Clarita community over the years by identifying worthy students 
in the 25th Congressional District of California for appointment to the 
military academies. After years of offering his leadership and 
expertise and effecting change throughout the district, it is a great 
pleasure to recognize Mr. Smyth on the occasion of his retirement.
  Clyde's story is one of absolute service at every turn. He is a man 
of honor and integrity who has given of himself for the betterment of 
those around him. Clyde first came to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1969 
to serve as principal of Placerita Junior High and later served the 
William S. Hart High School district as superintendent from 1974 until 
1992. He is a true American hero who also served in the United States 
Army during the Korean war. After our community of Santa Clarita 
incorporated, Clyde was elected to the city council in 1994 where he 
served with honor for 4 years and as mayor for a year.
  Clyde Smyth has instilled strong core values and the desire to give 
back in his family as well as in his community. He is an example for 
his sons and also for all those who meet him. To know Clyde is to be 
inspired to be a better person. While Clyde is retiring from his 
current position on my staff, I am certain that he is not done working. 
I know Clyde as a man who, through his words and deeds, has 
demonstrated his desire to lend a helping hand, and I can't imagine 
that retirement would change that.
  On behalf of myself and the many young men and women who have been 
helped directly by his work, I offer sincere gratitude to Mr. Clyde 
Smyth and wish him and his wife Sue all the best in his retirement 
years.

                          ____________________