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

Every now and then it’s nice to have a quiet week. We are starting to
see the beginnings of fall and anticipate the pending change of colors
as the foliage begins to turn toward the approaching season. This year
should be particularly spectacular given the level of rain we have
experienced compared to the past two years before. And like the change
of season you can count on football, chili, and the Fairfax Veteran’s
Day Parade.

In past years our Post has been invited to and participated in one of
the better Veteran’s Day Parades in the region. Eva Donovan and Leon
Hendrix organize this event and always ensure that Post 142 has its
proper place. This will be the 11th year for the parade and celebration
and is considered the largest Veteran’s Day Parade and event in Osage
County. This is more than a parade. Veteran’s will be treated a free
breakfast Woodland High School (at the school), and free dinner for
veterans and their families at the Senior Citizens/Fairfax Veteran’s
Building at the south west end of town. In between there will be
tournaments, prizes and ribbons for the best floats. The horseshoe
tournament proceeds will go to the Angel Tree project. The parade will
begin Saturday November 9th at 11:00 AM with line up at 10:00 AM near
the Baptist Church on South Main Street. It sounds like a great time.

I have yet to catch up with John Field and ask about the Honor Flight
Trip 18 September. I hope to capture the highlights of his trip and
share them with you soon.

I make no apologies for being a Sooner fan but in fairness, though I
put two kids through that honored institution I also put another
through Cowboy Land, Oklahoma State University. The funny thing about
the family Oklahoma is though we may “poke” (pun intended) fun at one
another, outsiders beware. We will defend each other when it comes to
those not of the Oklahoma clan. It is not unlike us Band of Brothers.
Though we served during different conflicts wore different uniforms,
and had diverse occupations in the military we can harass one another
mercilessly in pure fun. However, if someone who never served
disparages any of those who raised their hand and pledged to serve
their country and defend the Constitution, they will find more than
they bargained for.
In the light of this discussion I was very pleased when someone passed
along to me an article penned by Trish Gedon (OSU). It concerned the
4-H efforts to help kids of military members. With Operation Military
Kids.

Pat McNally, Director of the Oklahoma State University Extension 4-H
youth program reported that they are in their second year to provide
scholarships to military youth to Kid’s Kamp at Camp Gruber, OK. They
promote wearing purple as a way of recognizing the blend of colors for
all branches honoring the families and children in particular for their
sacrifices while a parent is away serving their country. The last Kamp
took place last June and I look forward to providing some support for
this fine effort next year. For more information go online to
purpleup@okstate.edu.

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.