Blackwell-Frazier American Legion Post #142 Hominy, Oklahoma

For the American Legion veteran’s rights and benefits are job one. As in most cases after a conflict our government can lose sight of the sacrifices made. Even with the scandals of the current Veteran’s Administration I still remember my father telling me of a story of the veteran’s struggles that happened this day in history.

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As a tribute to our Navy brothers at the Hut (and even a Coast Guard patriot) I thought it would be appropriate to report something that happened today in 1997 that I also have a personal tie to.  The U.S.S. Constitution, aka Old Ironsides, which defended the United States during the War of 1812, set sail with 216 crew members under its own power for first time in 116 years. Leaving its temporary anchorage at Marblehead, Mass. for a one-hour voyage it marked its 200th anniversary. The actual anniversary was the following October. It was built in 1797 and was never defeated in 42 battles. Prior to this launch her Navy crew received training in sailing a square rigger aboard the Coast Guard’s Eagle. The Coast Guard then enforced security and safety zones around the Navy frigate during her brief voyage around the harbor. More than 800 Coast Guard personnel, 10 cutters, three helicopters and 81 small boats were involved in the operation.

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July 14th 2016–Many of our Band of Brothers are Army National Guard veterans. I actually did a one-year stint after getting out of the USAF into the reserves at the unit in Lexington OK. Tents just didn’t work for me having been Air Force so later I switched to the Air National Guard. This article is dedicated to all our veterans who signed up to serve our country in the Oklahoma National Guard. It is an interesting bit of history I hope you will enjoy.

On this day in 1825 the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to America in was in every sense a triumphal procession. The 2nd Battalion, 11th New York Artillery, was one of many militias turned out to welcome him. This unit decided to adopt the title “National Guard” in honor of Lafayette’s command of the Garde Nationale de Paris during the French Revolution. The 11th Battalion, later designated as the 7th Regiment, was prominent in the line of march on the occasion of Lafayette’s final passage through New York enroute home to France. Taking note of the troops named for his old command he jumped from his carriage walked down the line clasping each officer by the hand as he proceeded. The 7th New York, with its designation “National Guard” went on to become one of the most famous of all Guard units well into the 20th century. Its nickname has come to represent all American militia for more than century.

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Today in 1953 U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Henry “Hank” Buttleman of the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, became the 36th and youngest ace of the Korean War having just turned 24. He accomplished this feat only 12 days after his first kill (An ace has five kills). Colonel James K. Johnson, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, qualified as the eighth “double ace” of the war, with 10 total kills.

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Each time around this time of year I like to remind everyone to keep an eye out for each other and our older relatives (including me!). We have an unusual heat wave going on and the basic rules of summer apply now. Please stay hydrated with water or Gatorade. Keep the AC working and try to plan on staying inside as much as possible. If you see a person a bit disoriented or confused remember that is one of the signs of heat exhaustion. Cool them down, get them in the shade, elevate the feet. Then call for help (Call 9-11). I would encourage everyone to find a class on CPR or research it online to know the basics. Also be aware of the signs of overheating. Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

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