PHOTO #1: Sam McPherson, far left, administered the oath to incoming Commander Ronnie Smith, Finance Officer Bill Tucker, Chaplain John Hopkins and Adjutant Larry Talbott at a recent meeting of the Keith Lowry-Henry Ellyson American Legion Post 5. McPherson holds the state office of Vice Commander West. The local officers will hold their posts for the next administrative year.

PHOTO #2: Commander Smith welcomes new member Rusty Sanders, center, with his membership card and hat. Sanders served in the United States Navy in the period just after the end of the Korean War and, because of Congressional regulations for the American Legion charter, was not eligible for membership. Congress recently passed and the president signed a revision to those regulations which made eligible all those who have served in the U.S. military since Dec. 7, 1941, acknowledging the contributions of those who served during the Cold War when hostilities were not taking place. Looking on is Sanders’ son, Rep. Mike Sanders, far left. Commander Smith urged all local veterans who have not previously been eligible to join the American Legion to become part of the largest patriotic organization in the U.S.  Currently, there are more than 300,000 veterans in Oklahoma and Smith said the legion will welcome them all to help with projects that benefit veterans and children and youth. For more information, contact Larry Talbott at kingfisherpost5@gmail.com. [ Photos provided]