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

The cold weather cancelled our last Thursday evening. It was touch and go watching the forecast through the week but we all agree “better safe than sorry”. That would make the next Thursday evening meeting the 4^th of February (can you believe it?). I will check in with the Chef to see if his creations are on tap or not and will report back. We did have a great Monday breakfast due to above freezing conditions. It was good to catch up with each other’s activities after so many breaks due to bad weather.

Well I finished that terrific book I have been sharing about over the past few weeks. “Unbroken” keeps you reading to the last page. Louie Zamperini’s amazing adult life took place during WWII in the Army Air Corp. He has endured being a castaway at sea, terrible POW experiences, and is finally freed experiencing joy and inexplicable bouts of emotional trauma we now know as PTSD. This has brought him down to a disrupted marriage and bouts of alcoholism. Then when things seemed darkest and the future bleak a young man comes to town, steps off a bus and life as Louie knew it changes forever.

I decided to share the journey of this book for several reasons. The first was to motivate the ancient art of reading. The second reason was to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of those veterans both past and present, that share the same range of personal experience, both high and low. The final reason will be your surprise when you read the book. Thanks to my good friend for sharing the book.

Soon love will be in the air as we approach February. Rumor has it that our gang of veterans and our lovely (and smarter) better halves will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special dinner. Friday evening the 12^th of February at 6:00 PM the Legion and Auxiliary will light the candles, put on the Dean Martin tunes, and enjoy whatever magic Chef Sebert can put together.  I’m sure the Chef will fill me in on the menu soon and I will report back!

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (on the 4^th and 21^st this week). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in February are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Keep your eye on the weather in case things have to be postponed. That will be most likely if the temperatures hit freezing. 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”.