Sadly, last night we lost a great leader and patriot. James Frazier, our past commander. He now awaits me and the troops at the Supreme Commander’s campgrounds. He is the one who welcomed me to this band of brothers, and after the passing of Roy Arian, had me assume this weekly article mission. I will post more next week. Thanks Jim, keep the Joe (coffee) warm. Salute!

Our Post Commander recognized a great longtime member in the paper recently but I think it bears repeating. Thanks to Babo Carter who donated $2,400.00 in paid receipts to the Hut over the past year. He has purchased recently 13 USA flags, one Coast Guard flag, one 45th Infantry flag, one new State of Oklahoma flag, and one Merchant Marine flag [Babo was in the Merchant Marine during Vietnam and it became part of the US Coast Guard during wartime]. I am certain, given time and this recognition, an Air Force flag may pop up.

Speaking about flags, our next flag event will be Friday March 29, 2019 Vietnam War Veterans Day. We will put out the flags on Friday March 28, 2019 at 9:00 AM and pick them up after Monday morning breakfast on April 1st. Just on Main Street. Many Hominy veterans served in Vietnam or were in the Military during that time 1955-75 like me. Don’t forget our latest fundraiser. For only $10 you can win a chance at winning $2019.00 and the post gets $5.00 for every ticket you buy or sell! AND this week we are having a sale: two tickets for $20.00! Can’t beat it and the Post get $10.00!

Post elections are next month. Commander O’Leary will be stepping down as Post Commander due to his increased Department HQ responsibilities but will be running for 1st Vice-Commander. This humble coorespondent will vie for remaining Historian and 2nd Vice Commander if the troops are so inclined.

I need to get up to speed on the Post Executive Board. We are so small we have had an informal consensus one in the past. We will need to formalize it. The Posts across the State who don’t have functioning E-Boards are the ones that usually get in trouble if someone who is unscrupulous is in charge and does something illegal.

Finally, after a year of discussion, it is time to set the first meeting in April as kick off for our 1st Sons of the American Legion meeting. Next week I will let you know the details. While having served 29.6 years in USAF SAC, TAC, and MAC as well as being a Thunderbird I have maintained my membership with the Skiatook chapter. I will be transferring that membership to Hominy. This is an exciting opportunity for a whole new segment of our community and I will report more on this later.

In closing, and on a personal note, I want to thanks all of those who prayed for me during my recent health issues. Commander O’Leary diagnosed my situation in December. I was in the hospital a week before Christmas and last Friday I rang a bell. My journey is not over yet. Thanks Commander for your wisdom, patience, and letting me plagurise you like crazy!

Our next regular Legion meeting is the first and third Thursday of the month in April that is the 4th. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in April 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. I think the Chef is on duty as we are heading into spring. 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”.