Talk about a great day. Last week the Sons of the American Legion had it’s first day trip. Our band of four adults and five young men headed out to tour the Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter unit on 46th and 169 (C Company 244th AHB) followed, after lunch, with a tour of the 138th Fighter Wing (OK ANG). Captain Bracaglia was our gracious host of the actual helicopter aircraft tour. It followed a maintenance shop demonstration by a Senior NCO Ballone. It was fascinating to the boys and the adults as well. After a quick lunch at Mickey D’s in Owasso we arrived at the 138th FW where everyone got the full tour and more!

The guys got all over a F-16 or two and had the great opportunity to walk around the visiting Marine Corp F-18 Hornets that were visiting the base from North Carolina. CMSgt Overstreet allowed his assistant Senior NCO MSgt Brixey who gave us the thorough tour and gave our tour group some nice souvenirs. As a final treat the tour group got front row seats as the F-18s and F-16s took off. It was quite impressive.

I would like to give a nod to the adults on the tour for mangaging things. Jim and Louis Hale as well as our commander John Hamilton. I have deep roots with the Air and Army National Guard and appreciate those full timers taking the time to show our team a great time on behalf of an old Chief (me lol). The young guys were Lewis Blue, Rus Saunders, Garrett Packs, Ashton Modlin, and Sebastian Evans.

Don’t forget we have tickets for sale. For only $10.00 [$5.00 goes to the Post] you could win $2,019.00 in cash at the drawing at State Convention in July! The first, second, and third place tickets will win $2,019.00! The next seven winners will get smaller amounts. We also have 100th anniversary American Legion “Challenge’ Coins for $10. They are one of a kind and a collectable item. I got mine, bought a few to present to a few special veteran friends as well.

Regular Legion meetings are usually the first and third Thursday of the month but in July it will be the 11th . We will be meeting with the Sons of American Legion at 5:00 pm, dinner (if the Chef is up to it) at 6:00 pm and regular meeting at 7:00 pm. . Koffee Klatch meetings in June 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 into the summer. 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”.