[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.

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