“News from the Hut”
for American Legion Post #142; Hominy, Oklahoma.
>>> by Gary Lanham

The weather continues its tug of war towards spring.  The good news is Jack Cross has reported back from being MIA (Missing in Action) and is doing well.  He was front and center at last Thursday night’s meeting and gave a rather positive financial report.  He is our superb Treasurer and gave a great report on the results of various fund raising efforts as well as a few anonymous donations.

Speaking of fundraisers here is another reminder of our raffle.  It is a $1 raffle ticket for $100 in beef from Wild Country (Thanks Chris!).  If you see donation jars around town please buy a ticket.  And when you eat at Wild Country tell them to thank Chris for being a patriot by supporting ours.

On that note we will now proceed with the start and completion of the HVAC Air and heat system John is volunteering to head up.  A tip of the hat to him and his helper for all they do. Due to positive community support this effort will be done in one phase rather than three. Also the lighting is now about 99% complete.  This leaves us with a final challenge.  The kitchen area was subject to freezing pipes this year, being an abnormally cold season.  Plans are being formed to insulate and protect the east side of the Hut so next year we can have less concern.  Eli is doing recon on materials and scope of work to draw together estimates Progress is a wonderful thing folks.  It is gratifying to see things moving in a positive direction.

We closed our Thursday evening meeting with a slide presentation after an incredible Stew and Chili dinner for all 15 that attended.  Jerry Sebert provided much, especially the stew. Wow.  I think I will be referring him to Chef J going forward. He and I are the former USAF fly boys in this merry band of brothers.  For better or worse in my 30 years of service one consistent comment through all the conflicts endured, all the other branches of service always said “You want good chow?  Go to the Air Force mess tent.”  I know Jerry was not a cook is the Air Force but something must have rubbed off.  Babo’s boss provided outstanding chili that I found reminiscent of Texas style from my time in West Texas.  No beans, and it was a testament to the real cook Sherry Carter.  When Babo receive compliments his answer was “I just washed the pots and pans, Sherry did the work. A salute to Sherry!

So on to the slide presentation by our fearless leader Doc O’Leary.  As I have reported recently he attended the annual activities honoring a Marine hero Ira Hayes in Arizona.  His presentation displayed the parades, commemorative sites, and peoples attending.  It was fascinating.  There were many tribes from across the country in attendance as well as youth groups, VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League were in attendance.  Tribes from Yakima WA, Navajo, Apache, and Ira’s own Pima tribe as well.  It was color full, festive, and patriotic.  I talked to the boss (my wifey), we may have to go there next year.  I think it was fantastic our Post was represented in the activities and parade. I will let Lt Col O’Leary fill in the details in our newspaper later.

On a final note, please keep in mid Memorial Day and the 4th of July are around the corner. Babo Carter will be looking for those patriots in our community to help purchase and place flags about the city as well as the cemetery to honor those who have gone before us.

Our regular meetings are the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM (April 3rd) if weather does not present a challenge.  Our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings for April is up and running again as normal starting around 0700 till about 0900 if weather is above freezing and hospitable.  Eli and Jerry usually have things set up where we can catch up on each others mischief and story telling.  If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story, it may end up in print!