I will provide any earth shaking news from the State American Legion Convention that concluded last weekend next week. Our intrepid leadership forged a journey to Shawnee OK for a weekend of decision making and such. A week ago I ventured out for the Monday morning biscuits and gravey (thanks Chef) and met a Mr. Raintree. Another USAF “lifer” we fell into a great conversation until Chef Sebert ran us out! We actually lost track of time. He was in the USAF before my time but retired a couple years after I joined. I learned much from that veteran/gentleman. I hope to have more conversations in the future.

The Doc said I am on light duty so I attended the Sons of American Legion. My Dad was a decorated WWII European Theater Army Combat soldier. I have been a dual member for years but transferred my membership to Hominy when the chapter was re-instituted recently. The suprize is, unlike other chapters I have visited, we have many young guys attending! Things in Hominy can be slow for the kids out of school. The pool/splash pad and library only goes so far. So field trips to the 138th Fighter Wing and the OK Army National Guard Blackhawk unit created a full day of fun.

Now a plan is forming for the 31st of July to take the crew on a day trip to OKC to visit the 45th Infantry Museum. That is an amazing place if you have not been there. Not only will the young men have a blast they will also pick up on the strong “Thunderbird” tradition of Oklahoma carried through so much history and conflicts. Although I was mainly USAF I was in the 445th Aviation Battalion in Lextington when they cut the ribbon. Thanks to my former post commander and brass at the Oklahoma Military Department I am an official Thunderbird and have the badge. I join the ranks of so many at our post who were always 45th Thunderbirds. The Fire/Police Station was a 45th Armory and remains one of the top five in OK in condition and utiliazation.

These young guys will know more about our Oklahoma legacy than 97% of the Oklahoma population. And I bet they will get a free lunch as well (smile). These are the building blocks of good citizenry. Faith, charity, service. In the Army it’s Duty, Honor, Country. In the USAF it’s “Waiter!” (kidding). In the USAF it is Integrity first, Service Before Self, Excellence in all you do. Times of departure from the Hut will be announced next article, it will be an all day event. If you have a son who had a Dad or Granddad (pawpaw) who honorably served get them involved! John Hamilton is the commander and can be reached at goofymail-alsqn142@yahoo.com.

We still have 100th anniversary American Legion “Challenge’ Coins for $10. They are one of a kind and a collectable item. I had one but I keep giving them to a few special veteran friends. I will be buying a few more!

Regular Legion meetings are usually the first and third Thursday of the month. In August it will be the 1st and 15th . 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 August we 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”.