Folsom Councilmember YeduKondalu “YK” Chalamcherla presents Stuart McIntyre with candy and a bottle of wine.

SACRAMENTO REGION (MPG) – Gunnery Sergeant Stuart McIntyre, as he was known 85 years ago, celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 20 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6158 in Fair Oaks.

It all started with a call from a friend of his, leading to a contact at VFW Post 6158 in Fair Oaks, asking if they could have a surprise birthday party to celebrate the 100th birthday of a Marine who had served in World War II and Korea. This was met with a resounding “yes” and the planning began.

Thanks to Stacy with the VFW and other contacts, emails began to get the word out throughout the area.

As the word got out, members of VFW Post 6158, American Legion Post 383 and American Legion Auxiliary 383, the Orangevale community and others got busy and, on that Wednesday, more than 100 friends, family, fellow veterans and the Patriot Guard Riders gathered for a surprise birthday party.

More than 100 well-wishers attended Stuart McIntyre’s 100th birthday bash in Fair Oaks. 

The venue was ready as McIntyre arrived by car, planning on attending his usual lunch date with a longtime friend. It took a few minutes before he realized the formal flag line created by the Riders, along with other veterans and the community were all there for him.

True to his love of poetry, McIntyre paused before entering the post to recite Rudyard Kipling’s entire poem, “Mandalay.” A fire truck and its company from Metro Fire Station 32 in Fair Oaks was also present to honor McIntyre. 

McIntyre was born in 1925 in Missoula, Montana. His family relocated to Washington and eventually to Walla Walla for his father’s job. He joined the Marines on Dec. 16, 1941, at the beginning of World War II.  After being rejected by the Army because of his age, a Marine recruiter enlisted McIntyre, despite his age of 16. McIntyre arrived at Pearl Harbor shortly after it was bombed and was on the east coast preparing for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ending the war. McIntyre was discharged on Dec. 31, 1945.

Representative Forrest Johnson presents Stu McIntyre with a certificate of recognition from Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez. James Copley with the Veterans of Foreign Wars looks on.

He rejoined the Marines at the start of the Korean War in 1950 and was stationed in Germany for three years and then Hawaii. McIntyre  said that he retired as a gunny sargeant, working his way up in the ranks during the 20 years of his enlistment. 

In Germany, McIntyre was sent to serve with the High Commissioner as the United States was beginning to occupy Germany. Later, being an expert shot, McIntyre was assigned as a bodyguard to the Counsel General. 

McIntyre commented that he would have stayed in the Marines longer after World War II but his wife died from cancer and he had to take care of their two-year-old son, Scott. 

Remarrying, McIntyr, and the family moved to Sacramento in 1969 and to Arden Park 1972, where his son Scott lives with him, making his life much easier.

Gunnery Sergeant Stuart McIntyre, as he was known 85 years ago, celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 20 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6158 in Fair Oaks.

A friend with whom he lunches every day, shared that despite low vision, McIntyre is always busy. He memorizes many poems, writes stories and taught himself French, which he speaks fluently. 

Starting off the presentation of Certificates of Recognition, Povey introduced Kosim Latipov with Senator Roger Niello’s State Senate office; Lane Gonick from Assemblyman Josh Hoover’s office and Forrest Johnson representing County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.  A certificate of recognition from the office of Congressman Kevin Kiley was also delivered to McIntyre.

Finally, all veterans stood at attention as McIntyre was presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation from the California Capitol Region Patriot Guard Riders. All saluted him, followed by many loud “Oorahs.”

Representative Lane Gonick with Josh Hoover’s office presents Stuart McIntyre with a certificate of recognition. 

Toward the end of the party, a lively bagpipe rendition of “Happy Birthday” was performed by David Canady, followed by all 100 attendees singing “Happy Birthday” to the Marine. He received birthday cards, his favorite See’s Candy and a bottle of fine wine.

At the end of the day, McIntyre said, “It was a tremendous tribute to me, I was surprised. Everybody was very gracious.”

Throughout the day, many had commented on how the world has changed so much over the span of Stu’s, (as he is known among friends) life, all he has seen and experienced, and how his service in the Marines has helped to make our lives all the better. 

When asked what his secret is for longevity is, McIntyre said simply “to breathe.”