LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga on Tuesday hosted a promotion ceremony for new Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Smith in the old Supreme Court chambers of the state Capitol.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew T. Alderman presided over the event, in which Smith was promoted from staff sergeant to gunnery sergeant.
“It was an honor to host this promotion ceremony for new Gunnery Sgt. Smith, who has dedicated his life to helping ensure America has the best and bravest Marines ready to defend our freedoms and way of life,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “This is a celebration of the continuing career of a great man and a reminder of all it takes to always be prepared to protect liberty throughout the world.”
Huizenga’s son Lance Cpl. Blake Huizenga was recruited by Smith.
“I can think of no greater compliment of Gunnery Sgt. Smith than to say that my wife and I entrusted him with the life of our son,” Huizenga said.
Joining Huizenga and Alderman for the ceremony was Sgt. Maj. Fritz M. Lowe and several of Smith’s fellow Marines.
After finishing high school in 2009, Smith reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island for training. Following his graduation on Sept. 11, 2009, Smith attended and graduated from Marine Combat School at Camp Geiger in South Carolina and Personnel Administration School in North Carolina and then reported for duty at Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron-1 in Okinawa, Japan. In 2012, Smith was transferred to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group in Quantico, Virginia, where he would achieve the rank of corporal in 2013. In 2014, Smith moved to Headquarters Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Washington D.C., where he was promoted to the ranks of sergeant and staff sergeant.
In 2019, Smith came to Michigan as an area canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Station Lansing, Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) Grand Rapids. In May 2021, Smith transferred to his current position as the staff non-commissioned officer in charge at RSS Capital City. Smith’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
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Editor’s note: Video of the ceremony will be available at https://www.senatormarkhuizenga.com/video/.
The above photographs of Huizenga are available by clicking on the images or by visiting https://www.SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/photos/.
Top photo caption: Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, watches as Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Smith is sworn in to his new rank during a promotion ceremony in the old Supreme Court chambers of the state Capitol. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew T. Alderman presided over the event, in which Smith was promoted from staff sergeant to gunnery sergeant. Huizenga’s son Lance Cpl. Blake Huizenga was recruited by Smith. Joining Huizenga and Alderman for the ceremony were Sgt. Maj. Fritz M. Lowe and several of Smith’s fellow Marines.
Bottom photo caption: Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, hosts a promotion ceremony for new Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Smith in the old Supreme Court chambers of the state Capitol. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew T. Alderman presided over the event, in which Smith was promoted from staff sergeant to gunnery sergeant. Huizenga’s son Lance Cpl. Blake Huizenga was recruited by Smith. Joining Huizenga and Alderman for the ceremony were Sgt. Maj. Fritz M. Lowe and several of Smith’s fellow Marines.