This week I would like to depart from my usual reflections of the past and look to our future. Hominy is a wonderful place with a rich history. In all my years and travels around the globe driving into this town always lifts my spirits. Someone told me recently that you have to be from away to appreciate this place. I would agree as a new guy.

The oil economy is down and it has its impact for sure, but I would ask what defines a community? When things are good, when things are easy and there are little challenges we tend to slack off. What defines anyone or a community is how it responds to adversity. I was in the last oil boom and bust, lost everything. We approach a defining moment. How will you respond? We can give in to despair or we can rise to a new height. Veterans understand the hard tasks, they have weathered under difficulties against tyrants and evil. We veterans must lead the way. My secret is this. When you have little give a lot. When you hurt provide comfort to others. Never be afraid. Some call it Karma, I call it the Law of the Harvest.

The staff and leadership of the Legion reflect the best of our community, caring and committed to the community family. Doc O’Leary, Babo Carter, Jerry Sebert (Chef extraordinaire). Jerry Jackson, Rex Mantooth and his grandson, the list goes on and on. My first introduction to this community was meeting the original author of this weekly article. Roy Arian was an inspiration to me. I only wish to aspire to his writing abilities. He was a class act. Jim and Polly guided me as well.

I guess what I am trying to communicate is we are a family. We must stick together. From a “more than usual” tip at the café and barber shop to a “have a blessed day” comment to those we meet at Marvin’s we must define our faith by our actions. Be that good citizen.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (except 6:00 PM dinner on April 7^th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in March and April 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”.