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

Oh my goodness, what a great Thanksgiving. If you are like me, you are still going back to leftovers and basking in the enjoyment of friends and family, who came together for a day of giving thanks, as well as sharing where we are all are on this journey called life.

That brings to mind..one who has posted tent with the Great Commander’s camp two years ago. If not for Roy Arian, I would not be writing these weekly contributions. Roy’s dedication to God and country was notable. He was a man who saved lives in Vietnam as a PA (Physician’s Assistant) and he captured my imagination as the writer of this column before I signed up.

I had been a member of the American Legion for years, paying my dues but not really being involved. One day I picked up a copy of the Hominy-News Progress newspaper at Marvin’s (who always play the cool tunes I love from the sixties) and I read “News from the Hut”. The quality of his story telling floored me. I had to meet the man. I attended the local meetings and shifted my membership to Hominy. He and I became quick friends sharing a background from southern California eager to leave and head east to seek our paths. We found ourselves, though divided by a few years, military veterans who loved Oklahoma.

The Christmas Parade is coming up this weekend. The date is December 6th, Saturday at 0930 (that’s AM for the Army Guard types). Santa has confirmed CANDY will be part of the festivities. I imagine it will be a cold so bundle up the youngsters. I know I am still planning to tote a thermos of hot chocolate! And let’s be sure we never forget the “reason for the season”. In a world still in turmoil, I still find comfort that I have been given so much way beyond this worldly march.

The Christmas Legion-Auxiliary Dinner is still scheduled for Friday December 12th at 6:00PM at the Hut. The Legion will provide the meat and Auxiliary/and members spouses/selves will provide the sides. Members are asked to bring a personal care item donation for the Bryce House in Tulsa that takes care of homeless veterans. They sure can use some personal care items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, Polident for dentures, jersey gloves (the brown ones) and socks. We will have a box set up for the donations and the Auxiliary will take them over. We may do, may even sing Christmas carols! If this changes any other meeting schedules I will be sure to update later.

Our regular meetings are the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM (4th and 18th December right now). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in December are still up (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. Thanks to the crew there is usually biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print! Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”. I’ll be looking for my G.I. buddies at this Saturday’s Christmas Parade!