Eugene (Gene) J. Baltes, BVA member and World War II Navy veteran, will turn 110 this Tuesday, October 29. This distinguished gentleman is the oldest living male on record residing in the United States and a member of the Blinded Veterans Association’s Illinois Regional Group. Gene’s family and friends numbering more than a hundred, including his regional group president, Anthony Woodson, celebrated this amazing milestone with him at a party in his honor on October 22 at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

At the event, Gene received a letter of congratulations from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough, presented to him by Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Director James Doelling. He also received a card and several mementos from BVA that included the recently created stuffed Ambassadog and a special proclamation from John Bevcar, Supervisor of River Forest Township, Illinois.

“We recognized his remarkable age as well as his service, dedication, and many sacrifices as a Navy Chief Petty Officer back in the day,” said Anthony. “The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt tributes by those who love him.”

Gene was born in River Forest, Illinois, on October 29, 1914. He enlisted in the Navy in November 1941 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He and his wife, Zenaida (Zenny), who served as his nurse at Hines, still reside in River Forest. He became the oldest living man in the U.S. this past June.

Gene continues to attribute his longevity and resilience to the clean living and self-care that includes never having smoked nor consumed alcohol. According to the CBRC Torch, the publication of the VA Central Blind Rehabilitation Center, Gene is well known among CBRC staff and has actively participated in BVA and VA Blind Rehabilitation Service activities using the skills and adaptive aids he has acquired over the years. He frequently comments on the outstanding care he feels he has received from VA.