This week, the president of Mongolia honored former U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., with the Order of the Polar Star.
First elected to Congress in 2012, Yoho kept his pledge to serve only four terms and did not seek reelection last year.
During his time on Capitol Hill, Yoho made his mark on foreign policy, including serving as the vice-chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and led the U.S. House Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee.
Yondongiin Otgonbayar, the Mongolian ambassador to the U.S., presented Yoho the award this week at an event at the Mongolian embassy. The award was given to Yoho “in appreciation for his excellent contribution in the development of the U.S.-Mongolian foreign relations”
Otgonbayar noted the award was equivalent to the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is not awarded to non-Mongolians that often.
“What a great way to end my congressional career especially on my birthday alongside my wife Carolyn,” Yoho said after getting the award.
Back in December, Yoho was honored by the Japanese emperor with the Order of the Rising Sun.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
