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

This week in 1962 a U.S. Air Force U-2 reconnaissance plane and its pilot flew over the island of Cuba and took photographs of Soviet missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads being installed and erected in Cuba. Major Richard Heyser took 928 pictures on a path selected by CIA analysts, capturing images of what turned out to be an SS-4 construction site at San Cristobel, Pinar del Río Province (now in Artemisa Province), in western Cuba.

I was a youngster and remember clearly the tension and news coverage. I recall adults thinking that the Cold War was coming to a head and conflict was inevitable. These were times when fallout shelters were as prevalent as tornado shelters. In class we kids were taught to duck, cover, and roll. Television shows reflected this mood in several shows. I believe in the end having a strong President with resolve and remaining military might from recent conflicts forced the Soviets to back down.

So let’s catch up on some future doings at the Hut. The siding project is still in planning and execution mode thanks to the two Jerry’s (Sebert and Jackson) and Chris King. November 7th 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’s a beauty). Thanks to our Navy pal CP-03 Leon Hendricks of Fairfax for organizing this, he is a true patriot.

Along with the “to be mentioned” Damascus Knife Raffle we also are offering tickets for 100 #s of fresh meat from Wild Country. Chris over there is a great guy and we thank him for the support. Wild Country has always supported the community and we are proud to support them (great tabouli too!). Salute Chris!

We are also looking forward to a public (yes that’s you!) dinner that is second to none. Chef Sebert’s famous Chicken Noodle Dinner with cornbread is on tap. I will get you the details on time later. Mark your calendar now for Saturday November 12th. Speaking on food we have set tentative plans for our annual Christmas Dinner with our precious Auxiliary. It will be a family event so kids and grandkids are welcome.

So on to the aforementioned tickets for the Damascus Knife raffle (donated by Dan Rathbun), tickets are still on sell. The drawing will be November 11th, 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 so standby.
Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (October 15th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in October 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”.