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

As promised, I am pleased to report Commander Charles O’Leary’s inputs from the 2nd day of the convention, where State Officer Election results are now known. Our new State Commander is Tim Smith from Post 20 in Ft. Gibson. He was elected unopposed. He a 43 year old retired Army Infantry SFC [E-7] who runs a public relations firm in Ft. Gibson. From the first time, I heard him speak he strikes me as a squared away troop. He appears to be direct and well spoke, and I have heard good things about him. One thing we all have is reputations; we determine if they are good or bad according to our character.

The new Sr. Vice-Commander is James Hood of Post 88 in Norman; Vice-Commander West is Bobby Bryant of Cushing Post 108 and Vice-Commander East is James Kirchival of Post 72 in Ada; all ran unopposed. The new State Judge Advocate is Larry Talbot of Post 5 in Edmond; State Treasurer is Robert Carter of Post 31 in Guymon. State Sgt-at-Arms is Ed Lager of Post 34 in El Reno who is a Federal Marshall and worked actively during the Convention. He definitely has the skill set. Jerry Ball of Post 58 in Guthrie who has a law enforcement background was elected National Executive Committeeman and Bill Teel of Post 105 in Bartlesville was elected alternate NEC. To refresh our memory from last week article, our District officers (District 1B) are, Crystal Deal a former Seabee from Claremore Post 141; 1B-Commander and Jerry Lakee from Catoosa Post 1800 Vice-Commander.

Also Jerry Lakee, former 18th Airborne Corp Paratrooper, was elected as the National Convention Representative with RC Mackey as alternate. We will finalize all these “doings” this Friday the 8th of August, when we host in installation of our Post Officers at the Installation Dinner and Ceremony.

All hands volunteered to stay on for another Tour of Duty. They are as follows: Post Commander Charles “Doc” O’Leary, First Vice President Steve Swinford, Second Vice president Babe Long, Adjutant Eli Prater, Treasurer Jack Cross, and Sgt at Arms Jim Hale, Service Officer Babo Carter, Chaplin Rex Mantooth, and Historian/humble correspondent Gary Lanham. Representing the Auxiliary Officers are Nancy O’Leary-President; Carla McKenzie-Vice-President; Judy White-Chaplain; Carron Richardson-Sgt-at-Arms and Linda Cross-Past-President Executive Committee Member. Lucky Ladwig and his wife will join us officiating the ceremony.

Switching gears for a moment; get your Post membership renewals in the mail to our Post, do not mail them in to National. Or just bring them to the Hut and give them to Jack Cross or Steve Swinford and Jack will get your membership card to you. If you need to mail them here is the address: Post 142, 118 S. Wood, Hominy, OK 74035 and Jack will get them that way also.

Our regular meetings are the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM. This time around we will have a short meeting August 7th and then on August 8th at 6:00PM our Installation of Officers Dinner. An added plus is that quarterly the meeting will be a shared event with the Auxiliary (more details to follow). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings for August are still up and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. Come by where we catch up on each other’s mischief and storytelling. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print!