A 101-year-old World War II Veteran received a special birthday present from the American Legion Post 74 of Newberry.
The Hugh Allan McInnes Post 74 American Legion Riders (ALR) Chapter presented Albert “Gene” Smith of Germfask a life membership to American Legion Post 74 and made him an honorary ALR supporter. The presentation was made at Smith’s birthday party at the Germfask Community Center on Saturday, June 7.
“As the Legion Riders, we started our day at the Seney Veterans Ride, and we rode with them to Cooks, Michigan and turned around and came back to Germfask,” said Leo Saint Germaine, Riders Director, and Post 74 Commander. “We presented him with the two certificates.”
Member Sheila Reed recommended that the Post 74 Chapter honor Smith this year.
While he was serving in France, Smith rode an Indian Motorcycle the last six months of the war but had to leave it behind when returning to the United States.
The American Legion Post 74 membership voted to present Smith with a life membership of the post, which means that he will not have to pay membership dues again.
“I did this on behalf of Dan Moore, who was a lifetime VFW member with Albert and they belonged to the same church,” said Saint Germaine. Moore was an active member of Post 74, who died last year.
Originally from Utica, Michigan, Smith moved to Germfask as an infant.
He was drafted and served in the U. S. Air Force as a sergeant during World War II. Smith was present for D-Day and served in France for six months until the war ended.
Smith worked for the Schoolcraft County Road Commission in Seney for 29 years. He and his wife, Elnore, have four children. He also is a member of the Masons and Ahmed Shriners.
Post 74 ALR was chartered in January 2024. The ALR is a program of the American Legion organization and is open to Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion members who have a common interest in motorcycle riding for veteran’s causes.
Members have to own a motorcycle that is licensed and insured. Those who don’t own a motorcycle and want to participate in some of the events, can become supporters of the ALR.
Members like Saint Germaine were part of the Sault Chapter prior to the formation of Newberry’s organization. Locals who wanted to participate with the ALR had to travel to the Sault monthly for meetings.
The ALR chapters are well-known for charitable work and contribute to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.
