NEWS FROM THE HUT by John Hamilton

This is going to be a “Flashback” series about veterans who have been part of the history of the HUT, Post 142 in Hominy, Oklahoma, and part of the history of the Hominy community. All veterans are special patriots and deserve to be honored, but the veterans who are no longer with us also deserve to be honored, and that is the purpose of this “Flashback” series for veterans that have passed into the Hominy Post 142 Post Everlasting Memorial in our hearts

Randall Laverne “Vern” Cain

Randall Laverne “Vern” Cain was born in Dover, Oklahoma on November 7, 1930, to Samuel Glen and Nora (O’Hern) Cain and was raised on the farm along with his sister, Kathleen and brothers, Gayle, AB, and Wylie. He graduated from Hennessey High School and continued to Oklahoma A&M. (Now Oklahoma State University) While completing his degree, Vern was a member of ROTC, allowing him to enlist in the US Army as an officer during the Korean War. While serving at Fort Sill, he met and married Doris, the mother of his daughters. He jumped into family life with his new stepchildren, Jane, and Jim Atkins, who adored him. After returning stateside from an exciting tour of duty in Japan, Vern resigned from the Army as a Lieutenant and returned to Oklahoma A&M for his teaching certificate

Vern and Doris then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico with their new baby, Suzanne in tow with Marsha soon to follow. Vern taught high school mathematics at Highland High School for 30 years, retiring in 1990. While in Albuquerque, Vern was continually active in the Lions Club, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for many years. During his retirement, he enjoyed helping his many friends preparing taxes and traveling to see his grandchildren, Jeff, Jennifer, Matthew, Randy and playing with his granddaughter, Kristina. After the passing of his wife, Doris, Vern met and married Rhea Lamb in 2004. He was again loved by his new family which included Glenna and Jay Lamb.

Vern spent the last 11 years of his life back in his native Oklahoma. While living in Hominy, Oklahoma, Vern became a member of the American Legion Post 142 and enjoyed attending the local football games. Everyone who knew him will miss his fun outlook on life. He always had a smile for everyone. Randall Laverne “Vern” Cain, at 85 years age, of Hominy, Oklahoma, passed on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Vinton Wayne Moore

Wayne was born in Manvel, Brazoria County, Texas on December 2, 1928, to Deral Ray and Ethel Francis (Crouse) Moore. He was the last surviving member of a large family of 8 brothers and 2 sisters. Wayne attended and graduated from Alvin, Texas High School and enlisted into the US Army in 1951. Wayne was active in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and retired in 1971 as a Master Sergeant (E-8) after 20 years of service to his country. During the Vietnam War, Wayne was Special Forces, Intelligence Specialist, Heavy Weapons Specialist and was trained in Chemical Biological Radiological Warfare, Infantry Operations and was a Medic. He also worked as an interpreter with the Vietnamese and he taught and trained troops in Vietnam. Later, after Wayne retired and entered the US Army Reserves, he taught and trained the ROTC at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He received the following commendations for his service: The Army Commendation Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal 1st Award with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Service Medal, 4th Award with 3 Over Seas Bars, Good Conduct Service Medal 5th Award with Vietnam Campaign Medal with the 1960 Device.

Wayne was married to Betty Jo Anspaw who passed away on June 19, 1993. Wayne worked as a mechanic and drove a school bus for the White Oak School system in Vinita, Oklahoma. Then when he moved to Hominy, he worked for the City of Hominy and Tyler Well Service. He was a member of the Blackwell-Frazier American Legion Post 142 in Hominy and also the I.O.O.F. when it was active in Hominy. Wayne was a devoted family man, involved in his church and his grandchildren’s lives.

Until further notice, our regular Legion meeting will be the third Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 17^th at 7:00 PM. The Sons of the American Legion meetings have been suspended until further notice, depending on the future COVID-19 situation. We have resumed the tradition of the dinner at the meetings now on the third Thursday of each month. The Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings have been resumed at 8:00 AM. If you are a veteran, come by for our monthly meeting, and/or the Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings. Several of the Post 142 members meet on Wednesday’s at Daylight Donuts on OK-99 around 8:00 AM in Hominy for coffee and breakfast treats. If you have a good story, it may end up in print. Also, keep up with us at the Post 142 website “americanlegion142.org” and Hominy Legion on Facebook.