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

What a terrific week with the gang at Post 142. I slipped in for
breakfast with the usual cast of characters and got a kick out of some
of the conversations. If you are a veteran and haven’t come through for
waffles or biscuits and gravy you are really missing out. Eli Prater
(our Adjutant) and Jerry Sebert make sure all things are ship shape.

What I really enjoyed was last Thursday night, at our established regular
meeting. I always get a charge out of being jabbed about being retired
USAF/Air National Guard. Being a former flyboy among many Army veterans
can be entertaining (Just ask Babo). But, you have to be able to poke
fun at yourself. When Charles “Doc” O’Leary announced the hour of our
next Installation Ceremony he stated 6:00 pm, or 1800 hours (military
time). I had to pipe up “for Air Force the big hand is on the 12 and
the little hand is on the 6”. That garnered a few chuckles.

Since I am on the subject this coming Thursday at the Hut, we will have
our Installation Ceremony where our new Post Commander will be
installed along with recognition of other officers and a big thanks to
Post Commander Jim Frazier who has served well and diligently over 10
years. I personally want to tip my hat to a fellow who has, in my brief
time with the post, shown me the ropes. As stated earlier it will begin
at 6:00 pm with a veritable feast provided by the Post members and our
top notch Auxiliary. Our special guest officiators will be the State
Sergeant at Arms and the Auxiliary Department President from Skiatook,
OK. We will also formally present our nation’s flag and state flag that
have been encased in beautiful shadow boxes to honor Jim Frazier’s
service to our Post. Local hero and hometown son House Representative
Sean Roberts will do the honors.

During our meeting, soon to be Post Commander “Doc” O’Leary, reminded
everyone that we will still maintain our 1st and 3rd Thursday meeting.
He also told us about his trip to Fredrick, OK (way down SW). They
recently honored WWII veterans of the 1941-1946 era including a few
veterans who served as pilots during several dangerous missions. I
heard that they had a few C-47 aircraft and there was a skydive
parachute show by the Army Air Corp Demo Team (two of which are old
friends of mine). I think it is great that we honor those who has
served in the past and we always remember the cost of our freedom.

Our regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at
1900 hours (7:00 PM). Our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings have
started back up thanks the Post Adjutant Eli Prater and Jerry Sebert.
Over biscuits and gravy (or waffles) we will keep up on each other’s
mischievous doings. It runs generally from 7 am to 9 am. I know I am
going to be there! If you are a veteran come join us. You will have a
good time. And if you have a good story it may end up in print.