I bought myself a Christmas present this year: the book “To Hell and Back,” which tells the story of Audie Murphy and his actions in World War II.
Murphy is the most decorated American soldier of World War II, and to my knowledge, he still is the most decorated soldier in history.
Since joining The News-Herald 20 years ago, I have heard the name Audie Murphy repeatedly. Jim Collins, editor emeritus, knows everything there is to know about Murphy.
It was just a coincidence that I found the book. I was doing some Christmas shopping for my husband, who had requested another book with a military theme, when I found the Murphy book.
Between Mr. Collins all these years and some old Western movies starring Murphy that have run in the past several weeks, I guess it was time for me to read the book. I have to say Murphy was a very good-looking man, his movies are pretty good, and having gotten about halfway through the book, I realize that he was a quintessential American hero.
The book originally was published in 1949 with many reprints since then. I highly recommend the book, it is a good read.

Geauga County Council hosts benefit dinner
American Legion, Geauga County Council will host a benefit chicken paprikash dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Burton American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. Dinner donation is $8 per person. There will be a 50/50 raffle at the door.
For details, call 440-635-6390 or 440-313-2095. All proceeds will benefit Geauga County veterans in need.

Souper Sunday at Painesville Post
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a Souper Sunday soup contest beginning at 3 p.m. on Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 1. A prize will be given for the best overall and most original soup.
For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

SALs host lucky shoots 
Sons of the American Legion, Post 112, 6671 Middle Ridge Road in Madison, will host lucky shoots every Saturday through March 14 at the post home. Doors open at 9 a.m. to sign up and shoots begin at 10 a.m. Full shoots will be $30.
A breakfast also will be available. For details, call the post home at 440-428-7893.

Sweetheart reverse raffle in Painesville
American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will host a sweetheart reverse raffle at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the post home. Admission of $20 include a $1,000 main board, and great breakfast buffet.
Only 100 tickets will be sold. For details, call the post home at 440-357-7711.

Sunday breakfast at Gunny’s Hall
Gunny’s Hall, 8720 Twinbrook Drive in Mentor, will host a Sunday breakfast buffet that is open to the public 9 a.m. to noon Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day. The cost is $7.50 per person and special orders are available.
For details call the hall at 440-974-9380.

Willoughby post offers fish fry on Friday
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, hosts a fish fry every first and third Friday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. A full menu is offered.
For details, call 440-951-9233 or stop in at the post for a meal.
Four Chaplains program at Burton Legion
A Four Chaplains program will be presented at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at American Legion Post 459, 14052 Goodwin St. in Burton. The event is open to the public. For details call 440-834-8765.

Pasta dinner helps air show fly
The United States Aviation Museum, sponsor of the Annual Gathering of Eagles air show, will host a pasta dinner at La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7.
Tickets are $30 each. All proceeds will benefit the Gathering of Eagles air show.
For information, call Don Manno at 440-442-4151.

Dinner with a slice of history
Cleveland’s Bomber Plant will be the topic of a dinner with a slice of history at the International Women’s Air and Space museum at Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 North Marginal Road in Cleveland, at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 13. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the program by Bill Meixner will start at 7 p.m.
Meixner will present a history of the local bomber plant that was built in 1942. The 2.2 million-square-foot building now plays host to trade shows and entertainment events.
The I-X Center, as it is known today, originally was owned by the Department of Defense and operated by Fisher Body Aircraft. Hear Meixner explain why Cleveland was chosen for this very important role in World War II.
Tickets are $15 per person or $13 for IWASM members. Seats are limited and reservations are requested by Feb. 10. Call the museum at 216-623-1111 or online at www.iwasm.org.

Militaria Collectors Show returns to Lakeland
The annual Militaria Collectors Show presented by the Lakeland Community College Police Department will be March 20 and 21 in the college athletic and fitness center main gym.
Adult admission to the show will be $4 with children admitted for $2. Table reservations are $20 per table or $50 for three tables.
This is a buy, sell and swap event. No firearms or ammunition will be permitted at the show. For details about the show visit www.lakelandmilitaryshow.info or call Dean Becker, Lakeland campus police at 440-525-7241. Lakeland Community College is located at 7700 Clocktower Drive in Kirtland.

To submit items for this column or the online listings, send them to: The News-Herald, Attn.: Larece Galer, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094; fax to 440-975-2293; or via email to LGaler@News-Herald.com.