A perfect day for a parade, National Convention 2011

Maria and Sebastian Gaytan cheer as The American Legion National Convention parade passes down Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Photo by James V. Carroll.

By Steve B. Brooks, National Organization

It’s always a big source of pride for Legionnaires to march in the national convention parade. But for Department of Kentucky Alternate National Executive Committeeman Randall Fisher, it was an even greater source of pride this year.

Fisher helped carry the department’s banner as Kentucky led off the procession of contiguous U.S. departments in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon (Aug. 28, 2011).  The Bluegrass State earned the honor by finishing first in membership for the 2010-2011 year; the department had been 52nd the previous year. Continue reading

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Oklahoma Soldiers Laid to Rest

Specialist Josh Seals was laid to rest today; Saturday, August 27th, 2011.  He was the most recent Oklahoma soldier to have been killed in Afghanistan.
Since July 29th, 2011; no less than 8 soldiers from Oklahoma  have been killed in that conflict.  Most were serving in the Oklahoma National Guard.

American Legion Post #142 of Hominy
remembers and honors:

2nd Lt. Jered W. Ewy, 33, of Edmond, and Spc. Augustus J. Vicari, 22, of Broken Arrow, died July 29, when an improvised explosive device detonated while they were conducting a dismounted patrol in Janak Kheyl.

Staff Sgt. Kirk Owen, 37, of Sapulpa, was killed August 2 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in the Lajah District of Paktia Province.

Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson, 24, of Chelsea, was killed August 4 when he was struck by small arms fire while on a dismounted patrol in Paktia Province.

Specialist Jordan Morris, 23, of Stillwater, was killed August 11 in the Kandahar province when explosives detonated by his vehicle. Morris was one of five who died from injuries in that explosion.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

2nd Lt. Joe L. Cunningham, 27, of Kingston, died August 13 at Laghman Province of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident.

1st Lt. Damon T. Leehan, 30, of Moore, was killed August 14 when a military vehicle in which he was riding struck an IED while conducting operations in the Alingar District of Laghman Province.

Specialist Josh Seals, 21, of Porter died Tuesday, August 16th from non-combat related injuries. Continue reading

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Prayer for those traveling to the 2011 National Convention

“Precious Lord, we thank you for living in a great and free nation, for the safety of those who were involved in this week’s earthquake, and especially for those traveling to Minnesota to once again celebrate the rich blessings YOU have given to this country. Grant them safety in their travels whether by plane, car, motorcycle, train, or even by walking or riding on a bike. May the days be filled with a strong espirit de corps of friendships and accomplishments in the A.L. We ask these things for the Glory of Thy Name. AMEN

– Past National Chaplain Larry Vollink

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2011 National Convention begins Aug. 26

Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

The 93rd American Legion National Convention kicks off Aug. 26 in Minneapolis with a full schedule surrounding veteran-related issues. The festivities begin with an Employment Roundtable on Aug. 26 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CST), along with a Homeless Veterans Roundtable from 10 a.m. – Noon. Both meetings will feature a panel of experts discussing ways to cut the jobless rate among young service members and provide housing for homeless veterans. Keeping in line with the topic of veterans employment is a Heroes to Hometowns job fair on Aug. 27 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Later, the last two days of August are busy with presentations from distinguished guests, such as President Barack Obama on Aug. 30 at 10 a.m., Florida Rep. Jeff Miller on Aug. 31 at 10:10 a.m. and video remarks from Secretary of State Hilary Clinton at 2:45 p.m. And when convention attendees are not partaking in the various meetings, they can enjoy a Minnesota Twins game on Aug. 26 where American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, the National Convention parade on Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. (CST), and a U.S. Soldier Show on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. (CST). Continue reading

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Post Meeting Scheduled for September 1st

The next regular meeting of Post 142
is Thursday, September 1st, 2011; at 6:00 p.m.

The American Legion building is at
118 South Wood, Hominy, OK 74035.

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