Our hometown hero (Ret.) Brig. General Kenneth Taylor was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame last Saturday evening in Norman Oklahoma. Our Vice Commander Charles O’Leary, Post Adjutant John Hamilton, and this guy attended the banquet and represented at this induction of the guy who shot down the first of four Japanese Zeros when they were sneak attacking Pearl Harbor Hawaii December 7th, 1941. It launched us into WWII. It was an amazing evening, pomp and circumstance. Honorees that were present were humble and credited their comrades and love of American for, what they considered, “no big deal”. There were those that were honored posthumously with stories of amazing courage under fire and the ultimate sacrifice. None were forced to; they just rose to the fatal occasion. A few years ago, we started an initiative to have the General recognized for his accomplishment. After a proclamation was signed by our Mayor, through the City Council, it was forwarded on to then Governor Mary Fallin. She endorsed it and it has been with us for three years.

And so, we met and fellowshipped with his widow Flora Love-Taylor and family. They were amazed when they saw the Governor’s Proclamation. They had heard about it but to actually see it was stunning. A special shout out to Lt. Col John Granier who escorted the dignitaries. The man had class at a special level. I sat with a full bird Col. USAF who earned his award for being an Ace Fighter Pilot in Vietnam. As a former Armament Loader, we traded many great stories. He was a perfect gentleman to all the ladies at the table. Gen. Taylor’s widow insisted on a picture with us together with that proclamation with a promise to come visit us. What a sweet, articulate, intelligent lady.

In the end we had a long but rewarding experience in Norman Oklahoma. One that we will never forget. We represented you Hominy, decades of generations, and that is an honor that the O’Leary’s, Hamilton’s’ and Lanham’s will treasure for the rest of our lives.
We still are selling raffle tickets! The new raffle tickets are coming out around our usual outlets. We did very well last time and want to do it again. 100 Anniversary American Legion coins are still available as well!

Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month. November 7th will be the next one at 5:00 PM for Sons of American Legion, and then 7:00 PM with no dinner at 6 PM this time. Monday morning Koffee Klatch 8:00 AM meetings in November are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians) but with a new change. Chef Sebert deserves a leave from culinary responsibilities other members will be opening things up the middle two Monday mornings. The second Monday of the month will be covered by Mr. Jimmy Himes. The third Monday of the month Dennis Kidder will be picking up donuts for breakfast. Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change. If you drive by and no one is there head downtown where there is a great breakfast place. 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”.