Jim Martin contributed “People of the Dirt:”

When the Christians came to Oklahoma Jesus was already here.
He was with all Adam’s race everywhere whether far or near.
The Amerindians universally called Him the “Great Spirit.”

His words of truth are found in all our tribes and very explicit.
Love and truth and honor and family are woven throughout the land.
Faith and hope and charity, respect for the creator’s firm hand.
Adam means red man, and Oklahoma means land of the red man.
In Oklahoma we are blessed with direct word links to His plan.
We are people of the dirt … tried by storm’s wind and dust’s sting.
We endure the good and the bad and always know who is King.

From the Arbuckle’s hilly ranges to the Panhandle’s desolation,
We are red and white and black patriots … first to defend the nation.
The proud Thunderbird, our fighting symbol … the red bird, the Phoenix…
We rise from our ashes and build anew after bomb’s blast;
When F5 comes our way we dig in and battle it to the last.
We are Okies whose grandparents waited out the wrath of dust
And fermented our grapes into fine wine of our common trust.
Hospitality is our middle name and love is our girt.
We are common folk … people of the dirt.

I learned a few things in this. I am proud to be a “Thunder Bird”

On the home front prior to the meeting, Jerry Sebert will be serving a meal at 6:00pm on Thursday January 18th. The 7:00 PM meeting will follow. We can catch some updates from the Legion Mid-Winter State Conference from Commander O’Leary, Vice Commander Steve Swinford, and Post Adjutant John Hamilton.

A reminder. Our next fundraiser will be Friday January 26th when Jerry Sebert will have beans and cornbread luncheon. The fundraising luncheon will be 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hut and will have carry-out again for call-in orders. Will need the same crew, plus others, working that event as we had in November for the chicken-noodle luncheon.
Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (January 18th). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy with always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Keep your eye on the weather in case things must be postponed (like freezing weather). 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”.