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

We have lots to cover this week so let’s get started! This past
Thursday evening we had the best BBQ chicken, potato salad, baked beans
(best I ever had Eli), okra, peach cobbler, and (we WERE lucky), Babe
Long’s bunt cake. Babe even went as far as Marvin’s to bring us the
best coleslaw. It was a fantastic meal enjoyed by everyone. A special
thanks to Jerry Sebert for doing the grilling. Superb! Commander
Charlie O’Leary did provide a video of the Vietnam experience that told
a side of it not many had heard. It was entitled “The Long Way Home”
and it was fascinating to watch.

October 13th we will do it again so stand by next month for the menu.
We encourage all veterans, members or not, to come out and attend and get acquainted.
It begins at 1800 hours continuing into the 1900 hours meeting. Post Commander Doc has taught
us flyboys military time so we don’t need our Mickey Mouse Watches
anymore!

Babo had displayed a flag in the Post that represented and Army
Divisions that participated in the Vietnam War. It was entitled “Our
Cause Was Just”. It depicted the emblems of each, some still active,
some that are not. It also displayed the map of Vietnam and the
Memorial from D.C. Commander O’Leary gave a discussion on all of the
Divisions with points of historical interest.

Thursday evening held a few other surprises as former Post Commander
and good friend Jim Frazier was presented with recognition for his
outstanding service to the Post in past years. That was followed with a
terrific surprise when fellow fly boy Jerry Sebert was presented with
American Legion Garrison cap fully adorned with USAF rank, earned
medals, Campaigns during which he served his country, and Legion
emblem. If you see his picture in the paper, note to shock and awe in
his eyes (wink). Another great surprise was Louis “Lou” Hale Jr. who
“reenlisted” after an absence due to travel and work. Another ground
pounder (11B 45th Infantry Army National Guard) and brother of fellow
member Jim Hale. Their father severed in the 45th Infantry as well at
the Hominy Armory for years. He is a welcome addition to our Band of
Brothers. Welcome onboard Lou!

This was the week for John Field’s Honor Flight Trip 18 September. He
and his daughter embarked the journey and I was surprised to catch him
on the evening news while flipping around for the weather. There was
our guy walking with bands playing and folks cheering. I am sure it was
a proud moment for him, it sure was for all of us as many saw him on
the tube as well. Next week I hope to capture the highlights of his
trip and share them with you the readers. Welcome home.

Last week was POW/Mia Day. The United States’ National POW/MIA
Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of
September each year. There are 1,741 American personnel listed by the
Defense Department’s POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from
the Vietnam War, as of April 2009. The number of United States
personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is
841. About 90 percent of the 1,741 people still missing were lost in
Vietnam or areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control,
according to the National League of Families website (cited in the
United States Army website).

The United States Congress passed a resolution authorizing National
POW/MIA Recognition Day to be observed on July 18, 1979. It was
observed on the same date in 1980 and was held on July 17 in 1981 and
1982. It was then observed on April 9 in 1983 and July 20 in 1984. The
event was observed on July 19 in 1985, and then from 1986 onwards the
date moved to the third Friday of September. The United States
president each year proclaims National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Many
states in the USA also proclaim POW/MIA Recognition Day together with
the national effort. I recall at many military formal dinners and
functions over my career a table set for the POW/MIA amidst those of us
enjoying out dinners, a lonely reminder to all at the function that
they are always be with us, and we will “Never Forget” (Thanks to
timeanddate.com).

Next week I will share details our Post’s continuing annual support of
the Fairfax Veteran’s Day Parade November 9th. We always have a good
showing, and are treated as honored guests.

Our regular meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays (next 3 Oct 13) 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. If you are a
veteran come join us. And if you have a good story it may end up in
print.