[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1071-E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     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

[[Page E1072]]

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.

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