I was relieved when I found out our Post Commander Charlie O’Leary and his wife Nancy survived the treacherous travel weather on their annual trip to Arizona. They were involved in a horrific vehicle accident but pulled through dinged up up a bit but now home and back in the saddle! This past week my wife and I said bye to a dear young lady and her children who moved from Barttlesville back to their home roots in Texas. We love Texas 364 days a year. Except for the Red River Rivalry Saturday, Texas is always near and dear to our hearts. I lived in San Antonio for six months working on a project for my company and while in my Air Force career spent much time in that area at the various military installations. There is Sea World, the Hill Country, and the Alamo.

Did you know on this day in 1836 The Alamo fell after fighting for 13 days? Angered by a new Mexican constitution that removed much of their autonomy, Texans seized the Alamo in San Antonio in December 1835. Mexican president General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna marched into Texas to put down the rebellion. By late February, 1836, 182 Texans, led by Colonel William Travis, held the former mission complex against Santa Anna’s 6,000 troops. At 4 a.m. on March 6, after fighting for 13 days, Santa Anna’s troops charged. In the battle that followed, all the Alamo defenders were killed while the Mexicans suffered about 2,000 casualties. Santa Anna dismissed the Alamo conquest as “a small affair,” but the time bought by the Alamo defenders’ lives permitted General Sam Houston to forge an army that would win the Battle of San Jacinto and, ultimately, Texas’ independence. Mexican Lt. Col. Pena later wrote a memoir: “With Santa Anna in Texas: Diary of Jose Enrique de la Pena,” that described the capture and execution of Davy Crockett and 6 other Alamo defenders. In 1975 a translation of the diary by Carmen Perry was published. Apparently, only one Texan combatant survived Jose María Guerrero, who persuaded his captors he had been forced to fight. Women, children, and a black slave, were spared. Now back to the north in Hominy, Oklahoma.

I will update you In the coming weeks when we hold our annual election of officers for the Hut. Expect some changes as life has a way of moving things around a bit. From my my view any changes will be positive and the continuity of our crew will remain strong. More later!

Our next regular Legion meeting is the first and third Thursday of the month in March that is the 7th and 21st. Meal details will follow. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in March are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. Recently the cold cold morning have cancelled breakfast, plus the fact Chef Sebert needs a break now and then. 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”.