Blackwell-Frazier American Legion Post #142 Hominy, Oklahoma

BG Kenneth Taylor will be inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on Saturday, 26 October at the Embassy Suites in Norman, OK. His wife, daughter, son in law, cousin, and her husband will be present to accept the induction.

As most know Mr. Taylor grew up in Hominy and, with another young Navy pilot, shot down several Japanese Zero’s over the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor. While he was technical director of Tora, Tora, Tora, he was also portrayed briefly by a young actor. He retired Brigadier General of the Alaska Air National Guard.

Some of our Post will be present at the ceremony, carrying the Governor’s proclamation issued four years ago that the Saturday before 7 December is Kenneth Taylor Day in Oklahoma and Hominy OK.

I will provide any earth shaking news from the State American Legion Convention that concluded last weekend next week. Our intrepid leadership forged a journey to Shawnee OK for a weekend of decision making and such. A week ago I ventured out for the Monday morning biscuits and gravey (thanks Chef) and met a Mr. Raintree. Another USAF “lifer” we fell into a great conversation until Chef Sebert ran us out! We actually lost track of time. He was in the USAF before my time but retired a couple years after I joined. I learned much from that veteran/gentleman. I hope to have more conversations in the future.

Continue reading →

Last Saturday I visited Pawnee OK to visit the Moving Wall at the Pawnee Bill Museum. My friend Monie Horse Chief invited me to come meet her uncle who was a Vietnam USAF veteran. Due to my condition and to avoid the heat I travelled over in the cool of the morning and found him under a tent where he had camped out all night. Walter and I had a great hour of discussion about patriotism, service, and how the oath binds all veterans together despite race, culture, or gender. It was a wonderful conversation. Before I left I walked the Wall and found it amazing. On a personal note I visited the actual Wall in DC many times in my long military career and, like Arlington Cemetery, always felt a sad pride at the sacrifice by those who died in defense of our freedoms.

Continue reading →

This week’s article will be brief due to sick call (LOL). Thanks to everyone for showing up last Thursday at our second meeting of the month. Special welcome to US Army Veteran 13-F Artillery Forward Observer Jimmy Himes who joined Post 142 last meeting. Also The 2020 Post Membership cards are in. Our yearly dues are $33.00. Be sure and see Jack Cross and get your new card!

Our current Flag Schedule looks like this: July 2-US Army Air Corps Birthday and July 4th America’s Birthday. July we put out flags Main Street and Highway 99 and Highway 20 and will pick them up July 8. July 11th will be the last day to get your raffle ticket as we will be picking them them to go to State Convention in Shawnee next week. For only $10 you could win $2,019.00 [4 chances to do this] plus smaller amounts. And Post 142 gets half of the ticket money!

Continue reading →

Talk about a great day. Last week the Sons of the American Legion had it’s first day trip. Our band of four adults and five young men headed out to tour the Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter unit on 46th and 169 (C Company 244th AHB) followed, after lunch, with a tour of the 138th Fighter Wing (OK ANG). Captain Bracaglia was our gracious host of the actual helicopter aircraft tour. It followed a maintenance shop demonstration by a Senior NCO Ballone. It was fascinating to the boys and the adults as well. After a quick lunch at Mickey D’s in Owasso we arrived at the 138th FW where everyone got the full tour and more!

Continue reading →