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

So much to talk about this week. I think the highlight of the week was during last Thursday night’s meeting. Dennis Kidder (US Army Vietnam Vet) and Jimmie Beckett (USAF all over Alaska, Iceland, North Pole and Greenland) were recognized for their service and presented with the traditional American Legion head gear. Eli and Steve Swinford presented the honors being former Army. Dennis was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge, just to name a few. Some of their military history was captured on the hats but more is to come. Dennis shared some amazing stories about his time “In Country” with all of the challenges and rough recollection that comes from someone who has “been there and done that”. Many of us served in support roles and missions but those that were “the point of the spear” carried the heavy load and thank you will never be enough.

Jimmie Beckett spoke as well on some of his time in TAC (Tactical Air Command) as well as SAC (Strategic Air Command) back in the day. Jerry Sebert and I presented honors being former flyboys. As usual the stories and friendly kidding bounced around and everyone had a good time. I always count it a blessing to talk to John, Dick, Rex, and Eli. My pun for the week when the USAF was getting ribbed was to note we had higher entry exam test requirements than the rest. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Okay so what’s new? The 100 #s of fresh meat from Wild Country raffle drawing will be December 11^th at the Christmas Dinner with our Auxiliary. It will be a family event so kids and grandkids are welcome. The siding project is finished thanks to the two Jerry’s (Sebert and Jackson) and Chris King. November 7^th we will again participate in the Veterans Day parade in Fairfax with our brethren from Post 333 Ralston. We will feature our restored 1973 Army jeep (It is official, named Bessy). Looking forward to seeing our old Navy pal CP-03 Leon Hendricks of Fairfax who is the organizer. Salute!

We will be front and center on Main Street for the Halloween Candy give out Saturday October 31^st. I’m going to try and get Bessy (the jeep) there but she is undergoing some TLC with a motor pool Sgt friend. Afterwards we will meander over to the Hut for coffee and cocoa for members and friends.

Plans are solid for a public dinner that is second to none. Chef Sebert’s famous Chicken Noodle Dinner is the best. I will get you the details on time later. Mark your calendar now for Saturday November 12^th.. We also are still selling tickets for the Damascus Knife raffle (donated by Dan Rathbun). Tickets are still on sell. The drawing will be November 11^th, Veteran’s Day. Tickets are $1 each and 6 tickets for $5. You can get your ticket around town where you see advertising or any American Legion member (the usual gang). Speaking of Veterans Day, this year plans will most likely be adjusted due to the damage at the High School restricting use of the gym. We are still working on new updates and I will have an update in the week or so.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (November 5th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in October and November are still scheduled for 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”.