Carnie Welch American Legion
Carnie Welch American Legion
Oklahoma Post 27
Oklahoma Post 27
THIS PAGE IS UNDERGOING RECONSTRUCTION.
This page contains videos pertaining to this post mainly.
The video link is to a video about updates concerning the Sallisaw Veterans Center under construction presently. This was shared to our Facebook page from the Mix 105.1 KXMX Facebook page. The inside of the facility images were recorded on the day of the tour which some of our members were happy it take part in. The link for the video is: https://fb.watch/cNekZSITcJ/
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This was shared on our Facebook page. Since Stanley is a long time member of our post, this would be worth watching.
OneSequoyah
13 April 2022
Stanley Collins has been a pillar of the Sallisaw community for decades. Here, we sit down with Mr. Collins as he reflects on memories from his years serving the community.
We honor Mr. Collins for his years of service and leadership and for positively impacting the lives of thousands of people along the way.
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Here is the link to the video on Facebook where Mix 105.1 KXMX talked about the 11 November 2020 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Indian Capital Technology Center in Sallisaw.
Here is the link to the KTUL Tulsa Channel 8 news video About the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Sallisaw Veterans Center on 25 September 2020.
https://ktul.com/news/local/construction-to-begin-on-new-sallisaw-veterans-center
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Here is the link to the KFSM Fort Smith Channel 5 news video About the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Sallisaw Veterans Center on 25 September 2020.
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Here is the link for the City of Sallisaw video of the dignitaries breaking ground at the Sallisaw Veterans Center Groundbreaking Ceremony on 25 September 2020.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=365529837901821&extid=tqoWwbDIrhsIrkN0
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https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2532799116864353&extid=qr7pTbsMTEkvz5kb
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Here is the link for the MIX105.1 KXMX video from the Sallisaw Veterans Center Groundbreaking Ceremony on 25 September 2020.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1698945630281582&extid=cuKOtEYd8YyW5fpt
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Here is a link to a video to remind us no only of those we need to remember on Memorial Day who gave their lives in the battle for freedom but also those who have to deal with this sacrifice. Remember our fallen on Memorial Day but do not forget them nor those they left behind. This video was suggested to me by one of our post's auxiliary members. You have the choice to chose to watch it. Their choice to serve our nation was made know that they might end up giving their lives to preserve freedom no matter where on earth they served whether during conflicts or during times of peace.
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGeorgiaVapor/videos/377365622880358/
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A couple of our members participated in this remembrance. To watch the television clip taken at this event just click on the link below.
Local Veterans Honor Fallen Soldier With 21-Gun Salute
MULDROW (KFSM)-- Master Sergeant Josh Wheeler, who died during a rescue mission in Iraq, went to Muldrow High School.
He graduated in 1994 and immediately began his army career.
Wheeler was the first American service member killed in action fighting ISIS, and at Friday night’s (Oct. 30) Muldrow High School football game, there was a 21-gun salute, followed by a moment of silence in his honor.
Robert Murchison is a United States Air Force veteran who was part of the 21-gun salute. He said the ceremony meant even more than honoring the fallen. It's about keeping their memory alive.
“It's very important,” Murchison said. “Some people forget that these people are giving their lives for the freedom of our country and trying to help other people gain freedom.”
Wheeler was killed during a raid to free about 70 prisoners who were about to be executed. During his military career he received 11 Bronze Stars, four of those with valor.
“He was an outstanding combat soldier, obviously,” Vietnam veteran, Johnny Gothard, said. “They do not pass those bronze stars around lightly.”
Gothard said the ceremony means something to every person who has served in the military.
“It's very emotional for me,” Gothard said. “It brings back a lot of memories from a long time ago and also the terrible losses we suffered in protection of our freedom.”
Every branch of the military was represented at the ceremony, and they all agreed that losing Master Sgt. Wheeler was like losing a brother.
“It's just like losing a family member, so that's hitting pretty close to home,” Murchison said.
KFSM 5NEWS video
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This article has nothing to do with Carnie Welch Post 27, but is a part of the history of Sallisaw during World War II. The two major army camps mention toward the end of the article are most likely Camp Chaffee located close to Fort Smith, Arkansas and Camp Gruber located near Braggs, Oklahoma which is east of Muskogee. Camp Gruber was basically built between February and May 1942 as a training facility and received its first official order as a camp toward the end of May 1942.
I decided to share this article to remind people of a time in history when communities backed those who served in the armed forces. I also think it is important to remember those who served not only during certain holidays but throughout the year.
American Legion officers installed (Sequoyah County Times 21August 2013)
The Carnie Welch American Legion Post 27 of Sallisaw, recently installed officers for the coming year.
Serving as commander is Ivan Boatwright; vice commander, Ronald Scott; junior vice commander, Mike Mozakis; adjutant, Larry Boatwright; assistant adjutant, Jim Agent; treasurer, Dennis Harrison; chaplain, Vernon Lawrence; assistant chaplain, Bill Aydelott; and sergeant-at-arms, Jim Gowen.
The Legion is involved in many community activities. They conduct Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs, put out flags for business on holidays, sponsor annually the Boys State and Girls State participants, provide honor guards and firing squads for veterans’ funerals, as well other activities.
The Legion meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Sallisaw Civic Center. All veterans are invited to attend.
The American Legion Auxiliary provides refreshments for the meetings.
Vian Parade Winners Announced - The Vian Lions Club has announced the winners from Thursday evening’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights.
Winners are as follows:
Float - Sheffield Family, first place and Vian Nursing and Rehab, second place.
Car/Truck – Wolverine Den of Kids, first place and Camille’s Kidz, second place.
ATV – Simon Family.
Animal – Town of Vian.
School Club – Vian Cheerleaders.
Band - Vian Public School Band of Gold.
Color Guard – American Legion.
Honorable Mention – Armstrong Bank.
PHOTO: Santa is shown making his way to the gazebo in the Anna Belle Farmer downtown park Thursday night to visit with all the good boys and girls following the Vian Christmas parade.
Vian Tenkiller News 6 December 2016.
This article published 10 November 2016 in Sequoyah County Times is an important read for all veterans. The article has a title plus one sentence to it. What is the important read is in the attached image.
Mayor issues proclamation honoring veterans
Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson issued the following proclamation honoring all generations of veterans on Veteran’s Day.
This story appeared in the Sequoyah County Time on 12 July 2017. James Limbaugh was one of the young men sponsored through our post to go to Oklahoma Boys State this year. This is a honor to be selected to go to Boys Nation since only two young men are selected from each state to attend this event. Congratulation James Limbaugh for being chosen.
Limbaugh to attend Legion Boys Nation
James Limbaugh, an incoming senior at Sallisaw High School, has been selected as a senator for American Legion Boys Nation in the Washington, D.C. area, July 21-28.
Boys Nation is an annual American Legion program that includes civic training, leadership development and a focus on Americanism. Limbaugh served as City Manager, Majority Leader and Superintendent of Public Instruction at Oklahoma Boys State, which had roughly 450 participants. Limbaugh will be joined by Michael Albright of Stillwater High School in representing Oklahoma at Boys Nation.
At Sallisaw, Limbaugh will serve as Senior Class President. He has been runner-up for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was Football Scoutie of the Year. Limbaugh hopes to attend Oklahoma State University on his way to a career in politics.
During their eight days at Boys Nation, 98 senators (two from each state with the exception of Hawaii) will learn from a hands-on approach how the U.S. Senate and the federal government function.
Boys are divided into two political parties, the Federalists and the Nationalists, each of which conducts a party convention, sets a platform and nominates members for elected offices, including Boys Nation president, vice president and party leaders. Each senator will also write, introduce and debate a bill of his choosing before an appropriate Senate committee, and if successful at that level the legislation will be voted on by the whole Senate. Bills passing the Senate are later signed or vetoed by the Boys Nation president.
The young men will also have an opportunity to tour the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Wall and Korean War Memorial. They will also present a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, see the Iwo Jima Memorial and visit Capitol Hill for meetings with their state’s U.S. senators. They may have the opportunity to visit the Pentagon and the White House as well. In addition, delegates will attend a dinner at a nearby Legion post hosted by National Commander Charles Schmidt of Oregon.
This year’s crop of Boys Nation senators represent the finest of nearly 20,000 incoming seniors who attended the 49 annual Boys State programs. Famous Boys Nation alumni include former President Bill Clinton, actor Donal Logue, Govs. Chris Christie and Scott Walker, and Sens. Mike Lee and Tom Cotton. Notable Boys State alumni include Tom Brokaw, Michael Jordan, Rush Limbaugh, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Neil Armstrong, Roger Ebert and Justice Samuel Alito.
This article is a follow up article About James Limbaugh who was sponsored through our post for Boys State in Oklahoma. At that event he was one of two young men who were chosen to represent our state at Boys Nation. This is only the second time during our post's history that a young man sponsored through our post was chosen to go to Boys Nation. A link to this article in Sequoyah County Times is the button below.
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Interview of James Limbaugh by
Mix 105.1 KXMX /KXMX channel 19 here Sallisaw. Just click on the link below to view it.
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Below are clippings from the Sequoyah County Times (Wednesday, 15 November 2017 edition) for the Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce. Our members (both from the the post and the auxiliary) were there to participate and show our support. To see each image fully click on the one you wish to see.
This article appeared in the 13 December 2017 issue of the Vian Tenkiller News. The Christmas Parade was held on 7 December 2017. The Carnie Welch Post 27 and Auxiliary had a float towards the front of the parade. Our post won "Best Color Guard" as mentioned in the article.
Sequoyah County Times
Friday, June 15, 2018
Lynn McCulley, Staff Writer
Marc Cullison
Marc Cullison of Sallisaw said it gives him great pride to see the American flag flown throughout the town on Flag Day or any other holiday or occasion to honor the country he loves and those who fought and sacrificed their lives for freedom.
“I guess you can say I'm patriotic. I'm also passionate about the things I believe in and also about my writing,” Cullison said.
Cullison has served in the military, worked as an educator, is an active member of the American Legion in Sallisaw, and has had three books he's written about Vietnam, published.
“I joined the army in 1971 and served one tour in Vietnam,” he said.
His time in the military motivated Cullison to write his books, “Where's the Ivy?” “The Other Vietnam” and “Vietnam Again.”
I wrote 'Vietnam Again' after I went back to visit in 2015. I visited all the places I had been to when I was there before. It was therapeutic and I came to realize some things I hadn't before. Some of our former enemies are now our friends and we weren't the only people to sacrifice and suffer losses, they did too,” Cullison said.
After Cullison and his wife, Janet, moved to Sallisaw from Texas in 1985 to be closer to her parents, the couple decided to make Sequoyah County their permanent home.
“Before coming here, I had a job as a structural engineer which is mainly constructing the bone part of a building. When we moved here from Pearland, Texas, I took a job with Holly Carburetor, then worked for Beverly Enterprises in Fort Smith, Ark. Later I went to work as a math and science teacher for Connors State College,” he said. “Just stuff no one likes to do,” he said, jokingly. “But I did enjoy teaching. It's a difficult job even during the summer months when people think we don't have anything to do, we are developing lesson plans for the new school year.”
Cullison said one of his favorite pastimes is carpentry and working on his log cabin home which is nearing its completion after about 30 years of building it from the ground up, he said.
“I work on it while I can. When I had the money, I didn't have the time to work on it and when I had the time, I didn't have the money. But it's almost completed now,” he said.
He does spend much of his time as a member of the American Legion.
“It's a great organization. We have fund raisers and get all the flags up during special holidays and we sponsor Boys and Girls State. It's a national veterans organization which promotes patriotism combined with a religious aspect and community service,” he said. The organization also is proactive in politics “especially when issues pertaining to veterans apply,” he said.
When school begins, we seek donations to fill up a bus with school supplies and we distribute them throughout the community.
More recently, Cullison was voted in to get more information about the American Legion out to the public.
“I believe it's an organization that does need to promote awareness. I'm basically the guy who gets the word out,” he said.