On Thursday July 18, WWII veteran Al Smith celebrated his 101st birthday at his home.

Fr. Manny Lopez and a group of 4th degree Sir Knights of Columbus from Assembly 2810 at Santa Maria Del Mar brought him a special cake, made by SK Frank Consentino. He also received a special congratulatory proclamation from Congressman Michael Waltz. White House congratulations are forthcoming.

Al was in the U.S. Army Air Corps stationed on the island of Ie Shima, just off Okinawa, where he directed fighter plane missions. Ie Shima is the island where famous war correspondent Ernis Pyle was killed.

Included in the group was 98 yr. old WWII U.S. Navy veteran Pat Martellucci (in green), who introduced Al to his wife Greta when they were 85 and 86 respectively. Greta, who is 100 years old, was a WWII U.S. Navy Wave. She was recently transferred to a local assisted living facility, but was looking forward to a piece of that chocolate cake!

Al and Greta’s daughter-in-law, Midge Franco Woodward hosted the Knights.

Group photo from left to right: Top row: Faithful Navigator Gregg Wilson, Fr. Manny Lopez and Mike Boullion and Steve Scifo. Bottom row: Kevin Ryan, Pat Martellucci, Al Smith, Armando Garcia and Frank Consentino. Photo courtesy of Sir Knight Mike Boullion.