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

We have good news! Thanks to the service of our Chaplain Rex Mantooth, and the voice of our local boy and House Representative Sean Roberts, we have a star. Rex Mantooth has been selected as “Veteran/Chaplain” at the state capitol. I will provide more details as they become available. Stay tuned!

I have also been informed that our Past-Commander Jim Frazier is serving with Post #1 in Tulsa. Jim was one of the reasons I got involved at “The Hut”. Wise and kind are the words that come to my mind. I feel sure that Post #1 will benefit from his experience and leadership. Salute!

Rumor has it that the Hut attic has squirrels. Last time I checked, Squirrels are attracted to nuts…hmm.

Vietnam War Veteran and Vice-Commander Steve Swinford attended a Vietnam memorial ceremony at Post 1 in Tulsa, last Saturday. Steve says it was pretty impressive with a “tiger cage” replica used by the Viet Cong and N.V.A. to house U.S. Prisoners of War [a far cry from the fancy “Club Gitmo” facilities the US provides at Guantanamo Bay for Iraq/Afghanistan enemy combatants today] on display. The small bamboo cage was adorned with 32 sets of dog tags representing the 32 M.I.A. personnel from Oklahoma [including a guy from nearby Pawnee] during the Vietnam War. Pretty impressive.

Commander O’Leary has received a couple of emails from U.K. and from Wisconsin regarding the article on our website about Andrew Blackwell; the Army soldier from Hominy killed in WWI, who died in the sinking of HMS Moldavia in the Atlantic after being hit by a German U-boat. Mainly, they were interested if any of the Blackwell family members were still around Hominy. None of the older members could remember anyone named Blackwell that was still alive or still around here. If you have any information, please contact me at garyanvil@aol.com.

Here is a reminder of coming events. We will have a combined dinner with our Auxiliary sweethearts February 13th at 1800 (that’s 6 pm Doc) at the Hut for Valentine’s Day. I have confirmed that we will dine on ribs. I checked on that with Chef Sebert, and he confirmed the scuttlebutt. Thanks to the Auxiliary who will provide the side dishes (yum yum).

We are also looking forward to a Chicken Noodle Dinner Fundraiser on February the 28th. From 1100 to 1300. Everyone is invited. It will be fun and entertaining and all funds received goes back to supporting patriotism in our community.

Our regular meetings are usually the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 PM (February 19th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in February are still up (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. We will not be breakfast February 16th due to Presidents day. Much thanks to the crew for providing 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”.