What a wild weather weekend we just experienced! Tornadoes, wind, torrential rain followed by freezing tempretures, ice, then snow. Now nice weather. Only in Oklahoma! Fortuntely our leadership made it down to Shawnee Oklahoma for the Oklahoma American Legion Mid-Winter Conference safely. I anticipate a report to pass on to you all next week.

How many of you have flown in a helicopter? Although I was a USAF “flyboy” I did a tour with the 445th Aviation Battalion in the mid 70s. Hueys, OH models, Blackhawks, and Chinooks were all through that career and the rest. I still have a 45th Thunderbird pin thanks to the Hut. So, most know I write the article on Sndays and looking back I found something special. On January 12th 1962 Operation Chopper, the first American combat mission in the Vietnam War, took place. In December 1961, the USNS Core (T-AKV-41) docked in Saigon with 82 US Army Piasecki H-21 helicopters.

A little more than 12 days later, Operation Chopper commenced. The helicopters transported over 1,000 South Vietnamese paratroopers for an assault on a suspected Viet Cong stronghold 10 miles west of Saigon. The Viet Cong were surprised and soundly defeated, but they gained valuable combat experience they would later use with great effect against US troops. The paratroopers also captured a sought-after underground radio transmitter. This operation heralded a new era of air mobility for the U.S. Army, which had been slowly growing as a concept since the Army formed twelve helicopter battalions in 1952 as a result of the Korean War. These new battalions eventually formed a sort of modern day cavalry for the Army. (thanks “This Day in Military History”)

Now we have the Polaris Ranger 500 ATV with Trailer Raffle. You can also win a Traeger Grill, Masterbuilt Smoker, Yeti Tundr 45 Cooler, Delux Camping Kitchen, Casting Rod and Reel, Coleman Tent and three chances to get a Bass Pro $50 Gift Certificate. Ten Prizes,10 Winners! Tickets are only $10 and $5 goes to Post 142. Drawing will be June 20, 2020 at the Legion Summer Convention in Shawnee.

All of the Oklahoma 100th Anniversary coins have been sold out at State HQ. There are no more. We have some and they are only $5.00 for Post members and $10.00 for non-members. I’ll be buying a few for good friends and posterity!

Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy or doughnuts and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. If it is 32 degrees or less it’s a no go. Our next SAL meeting will be 6 February 2020 followed by our regular Legion meeting at 7:00 pm. The annual Legion – Auxiliary Valentine Banquet is on the 13th of Feb at 7 pm. Our 2nd Legion meeting this month is Thursday 16 January 7 pm. 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”.