As our folks remembered the Day of Infamy on December 7th, 1941 our younger generation recalls 9-11. Where were you that day? I was a traditional Guardsman at Ft Polk, not on duty, but working as a project manager for SBC on a large telecom project. I was in a class for Army contracting troops and contractors. I bridged that gap having and E-9 ID card but still a contactor. I got the text about the towers, told the class and instructor. He found out two minutes later. All non-fulltime military were released. Well what goes around comes around.

This week in 2011 Osama bin Laden, the founder and head of the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda, was killed in Pakistan shortly after 1:00 am PKT (20:00 UTC, May 1) by U.S. Navy SEALs of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group (also known as DEVGRU or SEAL Team Six). The operation, code-named Operation Neptune Spear, was carried out in a Central Intelligence Agency-led operation. In addition to DEVGRU, participating units included the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and CIA operatives.

The raid on bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was launched from Afghanistan. After the raid, U.S. forces took bin Laden’s body to Afghanistan for identification, then buried it at sea within 24 hours of his death. The United States had direct evidence that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha, knew of bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Al-Qaeda confirmed the death on May 6 with posts made on militant websites, vowing to avenge the killing.

Get yours now! The Department of Oklahoma in OKC has Legion 100th Anniversary coins for sale at $15 each. I got my 10 coins and they are beautiful (already awarded five of them to special folks in my life). I will continue to distribute mine to folks who have a special meaning in my life. I just gave one of my mentors, Tex Bayouth and Rex Duncan (Ret. 0-6 ARNG). You should reach out to a Legionnaire you know and get on board with us as we serve the community as patriots! Also, please participate in our rifle raffle. Carl Blue has set up opportunities at the NAPPA Store (Thanks to the Breedloves) and The Hominy Pawn Shop.

The Medal of Honor Ceremony was last Saturday at Veterans Park 21st and Boulder in Tulsa. They honored two US Army Special Forces NCO’s and a Marine 2-Star General, all from Oklahoma and all awarded the Medal of Honor. Commander O’Leary was front and center, representing Post 142. You may have caught it on the evening rules. Thanks for attending Commander. Salute!

Next Legion Meeting will be Thursday May 3rd, 1900 hrs. Dinner will be served at 1800 hrs. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in April 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”.