RECOGNIZING EUGENE "GENE" SMITH ON HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY

On 2026-06-08, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING EUGENE "GENE" SMITH ON HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY" in the House.

RECOGNIZING EUGENE "GENE" SMITH ON HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E542] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING EUGENE ``GENE'' SMITH ON HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY _____ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, June 8, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Eugene ``Gene'' Smith of Germfask, Michigan, as he celebrates his 102nd birthday. Born in Utica, Michigan, on June 7, 1924, Gene came to Germfask as an infant and has spent more than a century building a legacy of service, hard work, and dedication to his community. After losing both of his parents while still in elementary school, Gene was raised by his uncle, John Losey, and developed the resilience and character that would later serve him well. In February 1943, Gene was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces, serving as a Sergeant and cook in England during D-Day and later in France. Following his service, he returned home and worked for twenty-nine years with the Schoolcraft County Road Commission before spending another twenty years as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. For more than five decades, Gene has been a pillar of the Manistique and Germfask communities. Since 1969, he has served as a member, Postmaster, and Chaplain of Lakeside Lodge No. 371, while holding numerous leadership positions throughout Masonic organizations across the Upper Peninsula. He is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a past VFW commander, and a faithful member of the Germfask Methodist Church. Many residents recognize Gene's familiar face in regional Independence Day parades, where he has spent decades driving his beloved ``Little Indy'' Shriners parade car. In recognition of his lifelong service, he was awarded a special proclamation signed by local officials and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Eugene ``Gene'' Smith on this remarkable milestone and thank him for a lifetime of service to his country, community, and fellow citizens. ____________________