SOUTH PARIS — The Maine Veteran’s Home recognizes resident Albert Smith, who was born on June 22, 1928, in Mason.

He grew up on his parent’s farm that included cows, vegetable gardens and horses. After graduating from high school, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from June 19, 1946, to Jan. 20, 1948, as an equipment operator, stationed in South and North Carolina.

Smith was honorably discharged and returned to Maine, returning to work with his father on the farm. He attended a year at the University of Maine. On a swimming trip to Songo Pond in Maine he met the love of his life, Lucia, and they were married, moving into a home next to the farm of his childhood. The Smiths had five children, four girls and one boy.

After working 30 years on the farm, Smith started driving a truck for Atlantic Express, hauling cars. He also hauled dynamite, ammunition and explosive supplies with armed guards that would escort him.

When asked if it was a scary job, he replied, “I remember one trip in particular to Salt Lake City where five to eight armed guards accompanied me. While waiting for the truck to be unloaded on Sunday, we had to spend the weekend sleeping in the truck with the armed guards surrounding the truck.”

Smith arrived at the Maine Veteran’s Home in June of 2009. He enjoys watching football and baseball games on the television and gets enjoyment joking with the staff and other residents about who is going to win the next game. His favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees. He resides on the C-Unit.