fbpx

Chris Smith – The Real Deal

The Evans Family relates How Congressman Chris Smith Saved their Children

By Rosalie Avin

Chris Smith , Congressman 4th district, A REAL Advocate for His Constituents

Congressman Chris Smith with Joseph Evans and his daughters Ashley and Sophia following their rescue from Georgia

Stories demonstrating his deep concern for the issues of the people in New Jersey are often understated by the media but to the people whose lives he has impacted, Chris Smith is a hero and a person who deserves to be re-elected to the fourth district by a landslide. Teah and Joseph Evans want their story to be shared so that voters will understand the character and the resilience of this incredible man. It is their hope that stupid, vitriolic ads will always be ignored. Congressman Chris Smith has represented the fourth district with compassion, concern and awareness.

The story begins in 2008, with a birthday celebration in Georgia, a country near Russia and Teah’s place of birth. The Evans family, including Ashley 7 and Sophia, 3 1/2 enjoy the time with family. The girls were to stay for the summer while their parents went back to work. Not long after Teah and Joseph returned to the states, the Olympics began and simultaneously Russian Troops were ordered to invade Georgia. The timing was clear, Olympic Coverage would minimize the magnitude of this attack. Listening to the radio that night, Teah and Joseph realized that their two little girls were trapped in Russian occupied territory and had no way to return home. They felt desperate, and hopeless. They decided to contact their Congressman thinking he could direct them. That man was Chris Smith and within an hour of the first phone call, he had personally contacted them and pledged to help.

French Ambassasdor John Fornair holding Sophia Evans following the childrens rescue from Georgia

Chris Smith did more than help. He was the leader who guided the couple through the hierarchy and the red tape directly to the desk of President Bush. He also contacted the media. He escorted Teah to many of the TV appearances but refused to go on himself. He was there for support and to thwart any uncomfortable situation. Teah reflects that the media was relentless and if it wasn’t for Smith, she wonders what would have happened. Her worry for her children as Eastside Georgia fell was insurmountable. A plan was put into place to rescue the girls but at the last minute, cancelled. It was decided because of the “sensitive” relationship between the U.S. and Russia there might be serious repercussions.

Hours after Teah learned of the cancellation, she received a call from Congressman Smith saying he was on his way to Georgia himself. He had connections with the French Ambassador, John Fornair and felt he would be able to get more done in person. Risking his life, did not seem to matter. Teah wondered how he felt so connected to the two little girls he never met. Three weeks after Russia invaded Georgia, the two Evan’s children were on their way back to the states escorted by Chris Smith, their father and their uncle. The Drama surrounding their actual release is a story in itself.

In interviewing Teah today, her love and great respect for her Representative was prevalent. She told me her daughter had watched an opponent’s “disgusting” attack ad and had asked her why anyone would do that to this wonderful man. She wanted all voters to know that Chris Smith is the “REAL DEAL”.

To sweeten the story, the then seven-year-old Ashley has just been accepted into the New Jersey Air National Guard, with the 177th Fighter Wing.

More from my site

Posted: October 22nd, 2018 | Author: | Filed under: 2018 Elections, Chris Smith, Monmouth County News, News | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

2 Comments on “Chris Smith – The Real Deal”

  1. Comes down to said at 8:38 pm on October 22nd, 2018:

    the fact that we are really lucky to have such a smart, honest, genuine public servant in Chris Smith. Very rare these days, a guy who just honestly, continually, does the job. Need a big win to beat down the radicals and save the NJ delegation from embarrassment and total disaster.

  2. Teah Evans said at 5:26 pm on November 1st, 2018:

    a Few Words for Congressman Chris Smith : Im Joey Evans in 2008 My Daughters Ashley age 8 & Sophia Age 3 were visiting their Grand Parents in My wife’s Native Country of” The Republic of Georgia. when Russia Invaded & Declared War upon Georgia the Country was Split in Half, our Daughter’s were Locked Out ! BEHIND ENEMY LINES ! I called The U.S. Embassy in Georgia. they stated Were very Sorry Mr. Evans. You will Just have to wait it out. they stated that they were very busy & then the Line was Disconnected. That was a Moment of Grief that will Live with me’ as I age Congressman Smith got Involved & a Few Days Later Our Daughters were Home Safe In New Jersey” U.S.A. for the rest of My life I will Always be Thankful I had Chris Smith on Our side. Chris Smith He’s There when You Need Him. Love The Evans Family”