FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A local World War II veteran was the life of the party as he celebrated a big birthday.
Vern Schmidt turned 100 years old today.
The Reedley native was amazed as people from all over gathered at his retirement community in Northeast Fresno.
Vern says he’s blessed and proud to have served his country.
“I’ve been overseas, I’ve been in seven countries over there, this is still number one, you can’t beat this country, there’s a lot of bad things, but in my heart I love the good stuff, that’s how I try to live,” Vern said.
You can read about Vern’s journey from the Valley to the battlefields of Europe in the book “A Hero and Advocate for All Others”.
He’ll be taking part in a book signing event on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District’s Community Heritage Center.
All proceeds benefit the Central Valley Honor Flight.
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