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

Commander “Doc” O’Leary did a stand up job presenting slides (on a flash drive for you tekkies) on his recent trip with Nancy to Arizona for the Ira Hayes/Iwo Jima Memorial Parade and Ceremony at Sacaton, AZ on the Pima Indian Reservation. It was fascinating and fun to watch various aircraft fly in honor of Ira Hayes and all Native American tribes represented at the parade and event. It was exceptional. To top off the experience, Chef Jerry provided chocolate cake. I am not much on cake myself, but when I saw cherries in the cake I dove in. Man oh man, great stuff.

I must admit it was so much fun having the back and forth, joking and kidding around with the airmen, soldiers, and sailors. If you are a veteran, you really should make it by. We meet the first and third Thursday of each month. In May that would be the 7th and 21st. Of course the Monday morning breakfast is always an event. Free breakfast; they say there is no such thing as a free lunch, but they never mentioned breakfast! As Eli said, “Rip the mattress off your back and come on in”.

Here is a reminder that you MUST put on the calendar: make lunch plans to attend our Post fundraiser coming up next month. Chef Jerry will be whipping up a Chicken and Noodle feed for the public, and we need your support. At our FUNDRASIER Saturday, May 9th 1100 till 1300 hours. You cannot beat the price: $6 for adults (above 12), $3 for kids age 12 and below, and kids age 6 and below are free. Sides include tea, green beans and corn. Come out and support those who supported you in service to our country.

You may have noticed, I have been focusing on our local hero’s these past few months in the articles. Our Commander has the idea of collecting the information on our local veterans and documenting them, to be posted at the Hut as a Hall of Fame. As the Post Historian, I was energized at the idea and the effort continues. We should all be proud of these patriots.

Expect to see a sea of flags soon. Babo is heading up the effort once again, to make sure through the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day flags honoring our Veterans and those who now serve the Supreme Commander beyond are remembered. I will give you updates, as many of you participate in this event. Right now, it looks like flags begin to go up May 15th and come down May 27th. Areas would cover Main Street and the Cemetery.

This week I would like to put a dim spotlight on George “Chris” King. I say dim, because Chris doesn’t care for the limelight so much. He served quietly and with honor, not one for fanfare or glory. Born December 1948, he did his service like many others in our Band of Brothers in the US Army Artillery (MOS 13A10). He served 1969 to 1971, beginning at Ft. Polk, LA (Tiger Land) to training at Ft. Sill, OK. From there, he traveled to the frozen tundra at Ft. Richardson, Alaska. Talking with him, I was happy to hear it was a great experience for him. Having done some time at Eielson AFB near Fairbanks, I could relate.

As I mentioned earlier, our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in April are still planned (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. As usual 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!