This last week was a very special one for me personally. One of my best buddies Dick Pope attended our gathering last Thursday. Not only did we feast like kings over Chef Serbert’s magnificent offerings for dinner but I received a complete surprise presentation. My first inkling was when Dennis swooped in, only stopping by for a moment. There was a mysterious conversation out back with Vice Commander Swinford. That was just a hint to my “Spidey Senses”. Then later Commander O’Leary presented to me, on behalf of Mr. Pope, two incredible books in appreciation of our bond as brothers.

The first book, Berlin, was written by Gordon McLachlan. It tells the history of Berlin, the entire retrospect of the City. The second book World War II; The Definitive Pictorial Chronicle by Eric Good, Michael Wilkinson, Duncan Hill. Wow. I love good writing; it has been the very thing that captured me to join this Post when Roy Arian wrote this space years ago. That is what drew me to this amazing group of characters that represent three generations of our finest veterans.

Dick Pope served in the Army in Berlin at the close of the war. He shared an interesting fact that he and our Treasurer Jack Cross had walked the same historical paths in Berlin. Well thanks to you Mr. Pope, you remain a best of friends. Though our ages differ our service to country makes us brothers in duty. I will be giving you all my insights of these readings if you like. Write a letter to the editor of this great newspaper if you would like that. I live to serve.

We continue to adjust to the loss of our beloved Chaplin Rex Mantooth. Such a giant leaves a hole not readily filled. We reflect and cherish one another now, understanding our time is fleeting. The heavenly campground ranks grow and we know we shall join our comrades over there at the calling of our Supreme Commander. Keep the coffee warm Rex.

Our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM. The next meeting is Thursday May 19^th. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in May 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 storms bring strong winds and lightning. 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”.