for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
>>>by Gary Lanham

As the newest member of our Post, I have surprised myself at how much I enjoy coming out to Hominy to participate in the 142 Post meetings, and getting to fellowship with what I consider a ‘Band of Brothers’.  In a time of busy schedules and so many responsibilities, time is a precious commodity and I find like most of us…time is very precious.

So, I had to ask myself the question “why do you feel this is important?”  After some reflection I realized something.  Sitting among veterans in loose and friendly conversations ranging from the greatest generation (WWII) through Korea, Vietnam, and even Desert Storm as well as our current conflicts: Dave Grossman’s word haunt me.

Dave Grossman LTC (RET), “Honor never grows old, and honor rejoices the heart of age.  It does so because honor is, finally, about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost.  In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains: What is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for?”

It’s this sense of honor and duty that reflects it’s self in participation of the members and leadership, with doling out candy to the eager young faces on Main Street for Halloween, and representing the flag at the Christmas parade.  And, as I came into the 12/20/12 meeting I was astonished to see piles of quality children’s toys.  I was unaware that Charlie O’Leary and Babo along with others in our leadership (Jim Frazier Commander just to name a few) were supporting a joint effort with the annual Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots effort.  The efforts of a few patriots in our group with incredible public support has rendered a wonderful situation…an abundance of top quality toys for kids who are in need of a little joy.

For those that didn’t know Toys for Tots Began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.  The idea came from Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane crafted a homemade doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas.  When Bill determined that no agency existed, Diane told Bill that he should start one. He did.  The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted ‘Toys for Tots’ in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign.  That year, Marine Corps Reserve units across the nation conducted ‘Toys for Tots’ campaigns in each community in which a Marine Reserve Center was located. Marines have conducted successful nationwide campaigns at Christmas each year since 1948.  The initial objective that remains the hallmark of the program today is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children”.

We at the Hut hope every reader experienced the joy of the season with friends, family, and loved ones.  We look forward to the New Year with a sense of anticipation for more opportunities to work in the community and support our veterans both young and seasoned.

One last reminder that our Post meetings are back on schedule for the 1^st and 3^rd monthly Thursday meetings at 1900 hours (7:00 PM 3 Jan 2013) and our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings over biscuits and gravy where we keep up on each other’s mischievous doings.  Also for members the Mid-Winter Conference is scheduled for Jan 4-6 in OKC. Call for more details 918-510-0032.