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

Bonjour Mon Amis! This humble correspondent is sending from a brief vacation in New Orleans.  We (wifey and I) attended a Crawfish Boil Military reunion nearby in Chalmette and in usual southern hospitality we enjoyed a few days of fun, festivities, while honoring those who served with us and have transferred to the final roll call with our Heavenly Commander in Chief.  Cajuns do it right!

I will be brief this week as we have been here and there enjoying the great folks of the Bayou. Master Sgt. Retired Mickey Giovingo hosted our event and made sure we passed through the Bourbon Street area and Jax’s Brewery (now a high end shopping Mall).

Some news to report is we had a great turn out at our last Thursday night meeting.  Our financial’s are strong as we commit ourselves to serve community and veterans in our area. We remain amazed and grateful for the support of our community as we reach out to serve. Hominy is truly a blessing and family. We are optimistic about our plans for the year and will share those plans as the year rolls on.

We had a particular surprise when out Chaplain Rex Mantooth donated a beautiful cabinet and memorabilia from military and civilian past to be displayed at the Hut. It will be my pleasure to interview Rex over the next few months on the history and story behind some these priceless items which I will, of course, report to you.  Thanks Rex and thanks for your service to our country and our Post!

Momentum continues to build as we approach our Season of Patriotism.  With Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day on the calendar you know Babo Carter is in high gear preparing to honor our community and veterans with the annual flag placement around town and our Field of Honor north of town.  Pitch in, donate and help to honor those who have paid the high price for our freedoms.

More information will be coming on a Mother’s and Father’s Day Banquet in the plans. Currently, we are looking at a Pork Rib Cookout 17th of May.  Next week I should have more details.

Commander “Doc” O’Leary reminds us that Post elections will take place next month in May. Any member can run for any of the elected Post positions.  I am eager to return and hear how the Medal of Honor Day happened.  I was committed down here in the Big Easy but I will return and report what I hear on the Ceremony honoring MOH awardees from Saturday April 26th.  This year the guest of honor was SFC Melvin Morris, USA [Ret] a former Special Forces [E-7] from the Vietnam War.

Our regular meetings are the first and third Thursday (1 May) meeting at 1900 hrs if weather does not present a challenge. Our Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings for April and May are still up and running starting around 0700 till about 0900 if weather cooperating. 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! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!! (Let the good times roll).