(written for later this week)

On this day in 2003 I was managing a large telecommunications project at Ft Polk Louisiana. Looking up into the skies I could not believe my eyes. The Space shuttle Columbia broke apart in flames over Texas, killing all 7 astronauts just 16 minutes before they were supposed to glide to ground in Florida. The astronauts included Michael P. Anderson (b.1959), David M. Brown (b.1956), Laurel Clark (b.1962), Kalpana Chawla (b.1962), Rick Husband (b.1957), William C. McCool (b.1961) and Ilan Ramon (b.1954). An explosion in the wheel well under the left wing was later suspected as the cause. It was a sad day for our nation.

Thanks to everyone (especially Jerry Sebert) who worked on our beans and cornbread luncheon last Friday. Notable thanks to Jim Hale for manning the phones, Jim Beckett, John and Lynn Hamilton for working the serving line, Jack Cross for taking the money, Steve Swinford for keeping everyone moving and helping with clean-up and Charlie O’ for making deliveries and Carl Blue for making the Main Street sign to go in the middle of the road for Jerry’s posters. We sold out and made around $450.00. Great job everyone

The next Legion meeting will be Thursday February 1, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Hut. We won’t have a meal then as we will hold our annual Legion-Auxiliary Valentine Dinner on February 15th at 6:00 PM at the Hut.

The next time we put out flags will be for President’s Day on February 19, 2018. We will put out flags on Friday February 16, 2018 at 9:00 AM on just Main Street and pick them up on Tuesday February 20, 2018 at 9:00 AM. Meet at the Hut both days.

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (1st of February). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January and February 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”.