(1) The judge of probate in each county shall appoint 3 veterans as that term is defined in 1965 PA 190, MCL 35.61 to 35.62, who are residents of the county and who were honorably discharged soldiers, sailors, marines, nurses, or members of the women’s auxiliaries of the United States Armed Forces, to a commission to be known as the “soldiers’ relief commission” of the county, with the powers and duties as provided in this act.

    (2) Of the persons appointed under subsection (1), 1 of the persons shall be appointed for a term of 1 year; 1 for a term of 2 years; and 1 for a term of 3 years, and at the expiration of the term for which each of the persons was appointed, his or her successor shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. The persons so appointed shall organize by the selection of 1 of their number as chairperson and 1 as secretary, and in the event of the death, resignation, change of residence or other disability of any member of the commission, creating a vacancy, the judge of probate shall fill the vacancy by an appointment for the unexpired term. The members shall each file the constitutional oath of office with the probate court, and receive the proper certificate of their appointment. They are entitled to reasonable compensation for their services, to be fixed and paid by the county board of commissioners of their respective counties. The judge of probate may remove any member of the commission for cause.