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

Well, last week I knocked on wood about the weather. But that was for no more snow or ice. Mother Nature pulled a fast one on us with that storm that blew through last Wednesday. While we had much needed rain and loads of wind at our place, one was lost in Sand Springs. Our prayers go out to the family.

Commander “Doc” O’Leary is still on tap to present an update on his recent trips with his bride to Arizona for the Ira Hayes/Iwo Jima Memorial Parade and Ceremony at Sacaton, AZ on the Pima Indian Reservation. The slide presentation and narrative will be the Thursday evening meeting 2 April, so mark your calendar.

We have a second salute for the Navy in our next spotlight of our Hut Heroes. Stan Mueller, who still works as a construction superintendent, always has an enjoyable story to tell and brings in interesting military artifacts. He served in the U.S. Navy 1959 to 1963 and then again 1966 to 1969. He finished his career at the rank of GM 2 (Gunner’s Mate) associated with all forms of ship armament and saw combat in Vietnam (amazing stories there). He was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal (I’ll have to verify that LOL) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (That means twice).

In the two tour career, he served on several ships all on several tours in the Far East as well as two tours in Vietnam. On one craft, the USS Segwick County LST 1123 he was involved in its Commissioning. That was his duty 1966-1967. He also served on the USS Rochester 1959 to 1961, USS Ranger 1961 to 1963, USS Segwick 1966 to 1967, and finally the USS Summit County 1967 to 1969. His career specialty was as Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class throughout his career on all ships. Over my years I have noticed that the love and affection Navy folks have for the ships they served on is akin to the love I have seen ground crews and pilots have for their aircraft in the USAF. A big salute Stan!

I would like to look at his time and the history on the last ship he served on…the USS Summit County. USS Summit was commissioned in May of 1945. During the Korean War, her resupply efforts were shifted to Korean ports. During the Korean War, LST 1146 was modified to transport the much needed, but the slow and short range LSU pig back where it would then drop the LSU in the water sideways. On 1 July 1955, she was predesignated Summit County (LST-1146) after counties in Colorado, Ohio, and Utah. From 1965 into 1969, Summit County saw extensive service in the Vietnam Theater. She was transferred to the USMA in December 1969 and assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay California. Summit County was sold to Ecuador on 14 February 1977.

Our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM. We will have dinner thanks to Chef Jerry at 6:00 PM on April 2nd. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in April are still planned (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. 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” which by the way just broke 15,000+ hits a few weeks ago!