On this day in 1944 my Dad was fighting Nazis at Anzio. The Anzio initiative had Allied forces numbering 69,000 troops with 508 guns and 237 tanks. General Lucas made preparations for an offensive to break out of the beachhead. Meanwhile, the German forces now consist of 8 divisions under 14th Army. There are German air strikes which result in 1 cruiser and 1 transport sunk. To the south, along the German-held Gustav Line, forces of the US 5th Army continue attacking. The 34th Division makes some progress in expanding the bridgehead over the Rapido River. We won.

I learned much from this hard core, oilfield, Okie truck driver, he never spoke about the war until the last few years when he fought his cancer with alcohol. He told me stories that I carried through my 29+ years in the military. One Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Down the line I will share more. So on to the important stuff. When we participate in raffles with the State Legion, the money comes back to Hominy. Usually you can approach any Legion member. Next week I will tell you where patriotic business owners are putting them oput for sale.

The Polaris Ranger 500 ATV with Trailer Raffle is on. 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 bought one of the remaining one last week. Do you know what the “challenge coin” history is?

Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in February 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 5:00 pm our regular Legion meeting at 7:00 pm. The 13th of Feb will be the annual Auxillary-American Legion Valentine Banquet at 6:00 pm. Then 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”.