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

We received outstanding community support for Post 142 and Babo Carter’s annual effort to recognize the heroes last Friday, posting flags on the final resting places of our heroes from the past.  The “Hut” crew and Auxiliary made a good showing, and Babo Carter had the plan executed in military fashion.  As I walked placing flags at various grave sites, a few things came to mind.  One…the majority of those I visited, served and did return home to live out the freedoms, so dearly paid for.  The sites ranges from a Civil War Veteran to Vietnam with most reflecting service during WWII with a handful of Korean War Veterans.

According to our fearless leader, and Post Commander Charles O’Leary over 1,200 flags were placed.  I was amazed, with how large the Hominy Cemetery really is.  I was also proud to see families out placing flowers and flags as well; that says a lot about our community remembering the lives and sacrifices of those who have gone on before us.

With that in mind, I want to re-post a little write up our Commander put out the other day, that recognizes our losses at the Post this year of some remarkable heroes.  “Please take time this Memorial Day to remember those Hominy veterans who have passed on.  Post 142 of the American Legion in Hominy would like to remember three members who passed this year: William “Bill” White, World War II Navy veteran and long-time Post 142 member.  We miss this quiet veteran, but whose quick wit meant you had to listen to what he said to catch the joke or inspiring comment.

Burt Bearden; proud member of the United States Marine Corps who served in Korea.  Burt was quiet about things most of the time, but after surviving the Battle of the Chosen Reservoir didn’t say too much about the cold weather we get here sometimes.

Rudy Rogers, Word War II Army veteran who served in the 45^th Infantry in the battles of Salerno and Anzio. He got hit by a German mortar shell on the last day of the battle, but survived to continue to serve.  Back home he became a local oilfield icon, and in his last years was known for “tall tales everyone true” and engaged in motorized scooter races down Main Street in his latter days.  Rudy was the last of the WWII “Double Thunderbirds”, wearing Oklahoma’s 45^th Infantry patch on both shoulders of his uniform.  Rest-In-Peace, Hominy veterans, job well-done!”  I could not have said it better.

On Memorial Day, we gathered at the Post for a flag ceremony performed at noon. It was well attended, and we thank those of you who dropped by and joined us, as we honored this timeless homage to our country.  Of course, our members included WWII-to the most recent past conflicts-with over sixty five years plus of continuous service over time.

Our regular meetings are the first and third Thursday (5^th and 19^th June) at 1900 hrs.  An added plus, quarterly the meeting will be a shared event with the Auxiliary (more details to follow).  Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings for June are still up and running starting around 0700 till about 0900.  Dan, 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!