NEWS FROM THE HUT by John Hamilton

Seventeen years ago, when I was living and working in California, I received some information about the American Legion. I can’t remember where I found this information, but as much time as I spent on my computer, and on the internet, I probably received it in an e-mail from some unknown source. I had no idea at that time, but from what I have learned in the last six years, it is very possible that the website link I was provided was to the American Legion National Headquarters recruiting website. The next thing, I knew I was receiving information from a post in an adjacent city. Every month, I received their newsletter with short articles by each of the post officers, and a calendar of the months activities. I was so busy with work and other activities that I couldn’t figure out how I would be able to get involved with all that was going on there. I guess it was a lot larger post than our Hominy Post 142 because of the events they had listed on their calendar each month. I wanted to attend their breakfast or the dinner that they served once each week. A couple of times I even drove by the post to locate where in that adjacent city it was located. But alas, I never took that step and probably missed out on some very special memories.

Twelve years after I joined the American Legion in California, I retired from a job I had for 50 years, and moved to Hominy, OK. My first encounter with Post 142 members was while walking with my great-grandchildren down Main Street for the Halloween Walk Down Main Street. One of the stops along the walk was the American Legion Post 142 and I introduced myself as a Legion member and they invited me to a meeting. I can’t remember exactly how long it was between the invitation and when I first showed up for my first meeting, but nevertheless I did show up.

After attending meetings for several months, the members held an election for post officers. All of the current officers agreed to continue in the office they already held, except one. The Commander told the members that the current Adjutant would not be able to continue in that office due to personal reasons. The commander asked if there was any member that would be willing to fill that position. The Commander said he would continue doing the Adjutant’s job until someone was found. Another month of meetings went by without anyone stepping up to take over the Adjutants job so I told the Commander that I would like a chance to try to do the job as soon as he explained to me what an Adjutant is. He sat down with me after that meeting and explained just what an Adjutant is and his duties. At the next meeting, I was confirmed as the Adjutant. I have been functioning as the Post Adjutant ever since.

Eventually, I was appointed as the District 1B Adjutant, and most recently the Department Historian. As a result of the last post-election and appointments, I was appointed the post historian and the post service officer. Then a couple of years ago, that same Commander asked for a volunteer to take over writing this article, “News from the Hut” after the previous writer passed away. Becoming a member of the Hominy Post has been such a great opportunity to learn and extend my skill set and broaden my experience.

Until further notice, our regular Legion meeting will be the third Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, September 16^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 having dinner at monthly meetings now on the third Thursday of the month although not every month. The Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings have been resumed at 8:00 AM. If you are a veteran, or currently on active duty, come by for our monthly meeting, and/or the Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings. 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.