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

Well, it has been quite a road trip. My two grandsons Henry and Thomas are back home in their regular environment, in Tillamook, Oregon. They had the opportunity to see so much of this great country from Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. As I write this by my brother’s pool side in Pleasanton California, Thomas (the 12 year old) popped up out the water to tell me to say “Hi” to the readers. Mission accomplished! Soon they will be back in the routine of their daily lives, but new adventures remain ahead as life’s road has just begun for them. I hope to be around to share a few.

Looking back over the past few weeks, I would like to extend a special thanks to Jerry Jackson, Jerry Sebert, Jim Hale, Charlie O’ and grandson Sebastian Evans (age 5) who helped Babo put out the flags on Main Street and Highway 99 & 20 the past Friday or so, for July 4th. Take Down of the flags were Monday at 10:00am. I would also like to confirm and welcome our newest member, I mentioned last time. Jim Beckett was a USAF veteran with Vietnam service. One of the things I will always remember about the soldiers that took care of our food was the comments from the Army and Marine grunts. The best grub in the service was USAF food or Navy. I’ll take mine on terra firma thank you! Welcome onboard Jim, you’ll be getting your orders shortly (grin).

Recently, I wrote about the knives that had been displayed at the Hut. I spoke about the Damascus knife Dan was donating to a fundraiser for the Hut. It was decided to raffle off the Damascus Dagger donated by Dan Rathbun. Tickets will be $1.00 each or 6/$5. We will try to get the flyers done by the next meeting. The knife is a beauty and you better buy your tickets soon before I buy them all for myself!

Some other good news is the fiscal responsibility of our band of brothers has continued to be secure and solid. Thanks to good management and the generosity of our patriotic community, we do stand strong. We will continue to raise funds to support the worthy causes we support so please continue to be generous. But a shout out is due recognizing the diligence of our leadership and Treasurer Jack Cross.

I think sometimes how a smaller unit like ours can function so cohesively and so well. Leadership is always a factor but those who form the body of a group make all the difference. I will cite a few example of this group who selflessly contribute to the small things to make improvements. Babo with his leadership in making every important date one decorated with our flag, Stan Mueller heading up the Hut’s new street signage. Stan has the sign constructed and was able to talk Babo’s spouse Sherry into doing the lettering and the American Legion decal on the sign for us, Jerry Sebert (Chef) and Jerry Jackson making sure the AC is functioning. Eli Prater putting up a wooden board beneath the backup AC unit for support. Mike Frazier posting updates every week on our website from Las Vegas (we just exceeded 16,000 hits on that website after only four years online). Our Ladies Auxiliary, standing fast and strong towards our mission. The list goes on and on. To you all and those I may have missed SALUTE!

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (July 16th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in July 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”.