The following article of the March 7, 2004 general meeting was reproduced from the Minutes of the March meeting as recorded by Helene Levin.

Carol Belmont introduced the evening’s speaker, Chip Smith, Retired US Secret Service Agent.

During his extensive career, Chip Smith was assigned to the Presidential and Vice
Presidential Protective Division and served as Special Assistant to the Treasury Secretary. In
addition, he served as Security Coordinator for several high profile protective venues
including the US delegation attending the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 where he met
Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.; the Presidential Inaugural activities in Washington, DC
in 1993; the dedication of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC in 1994; the visits of
Pope John Paul II and Fidel Castro in New York, in 1995; supervised the protective detail
assigned to Presidential candidate, Senator Robert Dole.

• During his wonderful presentation, Mr, Smith gave the members a chance to peel back the
layers of secrecy and gain unique insights into this fascinating agency.

• Mr. Smith told the audience how important it is for all of us, not just the Secret Service,
to pay attention to your surroundings Trust your instincts and intuition. Take a good look around when you enter a room/visually search for other ways to get out. Have alternative plans; a disaster is never what you plan for. The secret service always has multiple alternative plans for all situations!

• Secret Service was founded on April 14, 1865, the same date that Abraham Lincoln was
assassinated. It was originally founded to combat counterfeiting since many states had their
own currency.

• Training is extensive and includes a 2 week introduction; 12 week course on Federal Law
Enforcement; spending 16 weeks at the training center where recruits work on physical
fitness, martial arts, and train with fire arms.

• A video of the “BEAST,” the 20,000 pound Presidential limousine was presented. It was a
fascinating look at how drivers are trained on a special course to allude danger.

• Mr. Smith shared a variety of personal pictures with presidents and dignitaries and shared his
personal experiences. He protected Barbara Bush personally. One photo was taken in
Glacier National Park where they got stuck on rocks while canoeing. We were given insights
into her personality as well as many others he protected.

• Secret Service agents must earn the trust and confidence of the people they are protecting
which can be very difficult. The hours are long and can be very dangerous. Agents are in the
constant company of very important people, “a threat to one on stage, is a threat to all.” He
remarked that being a member of the Secret Service, gave him a “Front Row To History.”