The Omaha guide., 1946-07-27

A few weeks ago the last OF
the Omaha boys who served as the
Cadre in the Special Training
Unit at Fort Leavenworth, Kan
sas, during my service there, re-
turned home.
Now that it is all over 1 know
that Lloyd Neal, DeImar Woods.
Wanasebe Fletcher, Jim Jewell
and Lawrence Myers, laugh at
many of their experiences during
2their stay there. OF course, there
were times when there was laugh
ter and joy, but for the first few
weeks when they were put in
charge of a group of trainees, that
probably knew more about the
army than they did, I know there
were plenty Of times that they had
a headache and a doubt in their
minds.
My first day there, the command
ing officer dubbed yours truly a
clerk, because somewhere in my
life 1 had typed a few words a
minute l used to watch the
fellows in the morning as they
drilled their formation to chow,
stretch, pull my blanket around
me, and 60 back to sleep.
Those days did not last long be-
cause in a couple of months 1 was
doing the same thing as the rest.
A limited serviceman took over
my job. ] thought the farmers got
UP early, but at no time did the
sun ever beat the Special Training
Unit up, winter or summer.
All of these men have much to
be proud of, because they not only
helped to build men for the army,
but prepared them for their re-
turn to civilian life. I was proud
to have served with them. Lloyd
Neal. Delmar Woods, Wanasabee
Fletcher. Jim Jewell, and Lawrence
Myers. can all tell some tall tales
about their first days of army life
at Fort Leavenworth. 1 know, yes,
I know.
AS soon as 1 found out that Lii
onel Hampton was staying at Mr..
and Mrs. Richard Gaskin's resi-
dence, 2640 Decatur, I contacted
Mrs. Gwen Turner, the neice OF
Mr.. and Mrs. Gaskin, hoping that
this young lady would be able to
give me some off-hand informa-
ton about this great band leader.
How do you feel having such
a famous man in your house, l
asked.
81 can't quite explain it,, she
answered. "Of course it is really
a treat, and both Mr.. and Mrs.
Hampton are so charming.
"They are both so busy, and by
me going to beauty school, l get
to see very little Of them.
Have you been to see the show
yet?", asked.
"Oh, yes and it was grand may
go again if I have time. They GER
tainly have a wonderful show.
Are any other of the perform
ers staying where you live?", ask
ed I.
Yes. one of the dancers, Curly
stays there. He is part of the dance
team Of Red and Curly. Lawrence
Mr.. Hampton. has two of the most
adorable dogs, so well trained.
wish you could see them. One OF
them has a pretty color, almost
blue.
'I certainly want to see his show
and now that 1 have talked to
Won I want to see it more than
ever. I'll bet this is one famous
person you'll never forget, L SAID
During the war years, many OF
our citizens set up residence else
where. Their places being filled by
newcomers. I know 1 speak for
hundreds of others when say, we
welcome you.
In order to make Omaha a bet
ter city for all of us who live here,
we must all take an active part in
its betterment. There are so many
little things. that often seem un-
important asked of us, and often
we let them pass; not realizing
that we are stunning a duty and
an obligation.
OUR FUTURE IN OMAHA WE
MAKE OURSELVES. All of us
must work forward together; ma
king Omaha an outstanding city,
one that we can be justly proud
of when We tell others, yes. OMA-
HA is MY HOME.
At 5606 So. 14th Street. in a
house that overlooks the Missouri
river, and where there is always
a cool breeze, lives one of the most
adorable couples in Omaha. Mr.
and Mrs. Charlie Gordon. who thru
the many years have never chang
ed, and where welcome has always
been their first thought to the
many who have known them dur
ing their many years in Omaha
How often do 1 remember the
days that I have spent in theil
home. The many times that they
have beaten me playing 500 rum
my. and the ice cold beer in the
basement.
Mrs. Gordon, (Aunt Irene to me
would start preparing dinner. Nc
wonder I couldn't beat them play
ing cards, inhaling the scent O.
fried chicken, corn-on-the-cob, ma
shed potatoes, with cream gravy
creamed peas, and down in tn
basement watermelon on ice.
could hardly see the cards, think
IL a, sl Al-nt al