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

The American Legion Post 142 hosted its Installation of Officers 08 Aug
2013 and had an outstanding showing. Right off the bat I have tip my
hat to fellow fly boy Jerry Sebert for his incredible BBQ ribs. Best I
ever had! The Auxiliary really came through with various salads, side
dishes, and deserts. . Our special guest officiators were Lucky Ludwig
(State Sergeant at Arms) and the Auxiliary Department Past President
from Skiatook, OK Myrna Ludwig.

After the installation of officers our local hero House Representative
Sean Roberts presented our nation’s flag and state flag that have been
incased in beautiful shadow boxes to honor Jim Frazier’s service to our
Post. These shadow boxes will be permanently displayed at the Hut.

Awards were presented recognizing above and beyond service to the Hut.
Eli Prater (Adjutant) and Jerry Sebert for their consistent efforts on
those Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings I enjoy so much. Babo
Carter (Service Officer) for his dedication in making those American
flags fly all over town during special occasions. Every veteran in the
Hominy resting place has a flag for those who have answered the Great
Commander’s final roll call. Great job Babo, as our new commander said
“All Hominy kids are growing up seeing that American flag proudly
displayed”. I concur. Lastly this humble correspondent was a recipient
as well for these weekly offerings and ramblings (credit to my old
friend Roy Arian).

Our new officers follow; Post Commander Charles “Doc” O’Leary, First
Vice President Steve Swinford, Second Vice president Babe Long,
Adjutant Eli Prater, Treasurer Jack Cross, Sgt at Arms Jim Hale,
Service Officer Babo Carter, Chaplin Rex Mantooth, Past Post Commander
Jim Frazier, and Historian Gary Lanham. Representing the Auxiliary
Officers are Unit President Nancy O’Leary, Vice President Polly
Frazier, Secretary/Treasurer, Bonnie Lilies, Chaplin Carla McKenzie,
and Sgt at Arms Mary Carnly. Since they are all lovely ladies there is
no need for Historian I suppose, all 29 years old and timeless.

We also enjoyed a “Tour of Duty” via a slide presentation our new
commander provided with commentary that showed some of he and Nancy’s
past, Post pictures of the crew past and present, as well as
interesting pictures with back stories from his service in Afghanistan.
Regardless of your view of that war these slides reaffirm that our
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines represent the best values of the
American spirit, lending aid to the needy as well as fighting. Medical
care, education, and basic human needs were met at the hands of our
finest. With that to wrap things up everyone left with a new sense of
mission, and no one left hungry.

Our regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at
1900 hours (7:00 PM). Our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings are run
by 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.