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

We had a great time last Thursday evening. Stan Mueller was recognized as the birthday boy of the month and wouldn’t you know, Chef Sebert happen to have a cake on hand to celebrate. Happy Birthday Stan! Well that was just the beginning.

After getting the details of Charles O’Leary’s travels with Nancy, recently we learned that their daughter and our former member, brother, and O’Leary son-in-law John Doudna are doing just fine in Wyoming. We also heard the latest of the “40 Mile” rule for the Hominy Health Clinic in conjunction with the Tulsa Veteran’s Administration offices, that will benefit our local veterans. If you are interested in more information, drop by our Thursday night meetings to get an update. More details for the meetings are below.

So, you might wonder about the title of this week’s offering. Chris King surprised us with an impressive bayonet knife collection he has accumulated over time. Eli quickly identified one as a M1 Carbine bayonet, familiar to the Korean War period. Another was a World War II Survival Knife. There was a World War II German bayonet, and a final one that had everyone scratching their heads. It apparently attached to a smaller caliber rifle. We will pursue this mystery as time passes and report back.

Sparking further interest, Rex Mantooth got up from his seat and brought an old Survival Knife from his display at the Hut. Unlike the previous Survival Knife, it had two distinct differences. A serrated surface on the hilt of the top side of the blade near the base of the knife was evident. He also demonstrated where a hidden compartment for a tube for medications (perhaps Malaria pills). Topping things off Steve Swinford, brought out a beautiful Damarcus blade knife with perfect balance between the handle and blade. After purchasing the knife, Dan Rathbun decided to donate it to the Post for a future fund raising effort. I want to be clear. I want that knife. If it is an auction I will win. If it is a raffle, I may be tempted to bribe someone…it is that gorgeous (all in jest of course. But I want that knife).

Damascus Steel was a type of steel used in Indian and Middle Eastern sword making, originally based on Wootz Steel, a steel developed in South India before the Common Era. These swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge and rumored to cut through a rifle barrel as a sword.

As usual, I learn new terminologies from other former non USAF types. USMC you may have thought was United States Marine Corp. I learned it really means “Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children”. Another was ARMY, “Ain’t Ready (to be a) Marine Yet”. We USAF types were too busy saving the world from Communism from the skies for such trivial matters…right Chef Jerry and Jerry Jackson? (LOL!)

Currently, plans are being put together for a flag ceremony on Saturday, the 4th of July, probably at 0900. That may adjust, but for now let’s put it there. Rumor is there will be refreshments and some socializing, so stay tuned and plan to attend. What better way to kick the day off before festivities start in the cool of the morning? Sharing patriotic time with the folks that extended our independence through selfless service for all of us.

By the way, next week will be special. One of my favorite friends Dick Pope’s military career will be covered. I love talking to this WWII veteran, who always come through with tidbits for my articles and manages mowing our lawn. What a great guy who loves his country.

Finally, a salute to Wade Clemmons who joined us as a special guest. He served as a Quarter Master in the U.S. Army, back in the day and was a welcome face. Thanks for the visit Wade! May there be many more!

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (July 2nd and 16th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in June are still planned (if weather permits) and running starting around 0700 till about 0900. As always, 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”.