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Larece Galer brings you the latest military news. 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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Airplanes, Art and the Eiffel tower

The stories I receive from Owen Hughes, of Newark, New York, give a personal touch to the World War II history I have read and learned about from books.
I met Hughes through a mutual friend and have since received many stories of his wartime experiences via e-mail. Perhaps the one that I liked the most was that of living under the Eiffel Tower in Paris on a C-47.
Hughes was housed on the plane during an exhibit that the Army Air Corps sponsored under the Eiffel Tower. It was his job to paint the signs and any necessary artwork for the exhibit; he kept busy between 8 a.m. and noon. After getting a shower and shave a block away from the tower at MP headquarters, he would be on his own.
“My off time, I was free to do whatever I wished, so I did a lot of sightseeing. Paris is full of art wherever you go,” Hughes said “I did a lot of observing and mentally recording what I saw. Most of Paris, I was told, was laid out by artists.”
After the three months on display, the 15 aircraft under the tower were dismantled by the French military and hauled away.
“The purpose of the exhibit was to show the French what planes we used to win the war and free the French,” Hughes explained.
From painting noseart on aircraft to painting anything else that commanding officers required, Hughes painted it. Now at just shy of 96 years of age, he still paints.
When the restored B-29 “Doc” takes to the skies later this year, the art on the nose of the aircraft will be seen all over the United States. That dwarf is a Hughes piece of art.

Women in Aviation topic at library
Mentor Library will celebrate women in aviation with a program at 6:30 p.m. March 2 at the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. in Mentor.
The International Women’s Air & Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland has stories, photos, memorabilia and artifacts from more than 6,000 women who have done some amazing things. IWASM Board President Connie Luhta, who is both a pilot and a flight instructor, will share some of these stories at the library on Monday.
She will talk about some of the women who have soared — both locally and internationally, including a hot-air balloonist who performed at Napoleon Bonaparte’s wedding and Marge Hurlburt, an English teacher at Harvey High School in Painesville who set a speed record for women before dying during an air show in Iowa. Hurlburt also served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) in World War II.
Luhta’s talk is free and open to everyone. Register by calling the library at 440-255-8811, ext. 216, or register online at www.mentorpl.org.

Polish Legion Auxiliary hosts ‘Think Spring’ bash
The Polish Legion of American Veterans Auxiliary will host a “Think Spring, Think Indians” Bash beginning at 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at the post, 850 E. 200th St. in Cleveland.
Admission is $8 and food being served will be just like going to an Indians game. A cash bar will be available with music and sideboards. Indians attire is requested, but not necessary. For tickets call Theresa at 216-337-8997 or Linda at 216-383-9016.

Junior Girls host dinner
Veterans of Foreign Wars Junior Girls Unit 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a chicken alfredo dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. March 8 at the post home. Dinners will be $7 per person. For details, call 440-354-9090.

Sauerkraut and kielbasa 
at Painesville VFW
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a sauerkraut, kielbasa and potatoes dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the post home. For details, call 440-354-9090.

Lucky shoots every Saturday 
at Madison Post
Sons of the American Legion of 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.

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.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Airplane nose art painter is one interesting man

Nose art appears on the very front of an airplane close to the propeller. Owen Hughes, 95, of Newark, New York, is one of the painters familiar with this sort of art, he painted a number of airplanes while stationed in England during World War II.
“I estimate close to 100, I never kept track because it was just another job I was assigned to do,” Hughes said. “I painted many flight jackets, officers’ mess halls, officers’ bars and also cigarette lighters and some hats.”
I got to know Hughes through a mutual friend. Hughes is responsible for the lettering and the caricature of “Doc” on the nose of the B-29 that is expected to fly this spring. The B-29 will be one of two that are airworthy. Hughes still paints and stays busy with his art and his friends.
There is more to learn about this amazing man. Next week, learn what art, airplanes and the Eiffel Tower have in common.

Willoughby post will host chili cook-off
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host a chili cook-off on Feb. 21 at the post home.
Entries must be at least 4 quarts and be at the post before 5:30 p.m. The contest will begin at 6 p.m. Winner will get bragging rights and their name on a plaque.
For details, call the post at 440-951-9233.

Sauerkraut and kielbasa 
at Painesville VFW
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a sauerkraut, kielbasa and potatoes dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the post home. For details call 440-354-9090.

Willowick Legion has hall for rent
American Legion Post 678, 570 E. 328th St. in Willowick, has a banquet hall for rent.
The hall has a capacity of 200 people and is ideal for weddings, receptions, parties etc. For details and photos, visit the post website at post678@sbcglobal.net

Lucky shoots every Saturday 
at Madison Post
Sons of the American Legion of 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.

VFW Ladies serve breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary of Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will serve breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 22 at the post.

Polka at the Wickliffe Legion
American Legion Post 7, 29919 Euclid Ave. in Wickliffe, will host a polka dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 18 at the post home.
Tickets are $25 per person and includes beer, wine and ethnic foods. The Patty C and the Guys band will play for listening and dancing pleasure.
For details, call 440-585-4191.

Willoughby VFW hosts 
6th annual fundraiser
VFW Post 1500, 38295 Pelton Road in Willoughby, will host its sixth annual fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. March 28 at the post home.
Entertainment will be provided by Abbey Rodeo. Tickets are $10 for VFW members and $12 for nonmembers.
Proceeds raised will benefit VFW Charities, the Wounded Warrior Project, Project Hope, troops overseas and our local veterans in need. For tickets, call Don at 440-669-3495 or the post home at 440-951-9233.

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.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Nose Art was a morale booster

It is no secret that I love aviation and have had an interest in it since I was little. The art that adorns the nose of the World War II aircraft was usually painted on by a talented member of the group while waiting for mission orders.
I have been lucky enough to speak with many of the pilots of World War II aircraft and have seen many of these beautiful artworks up close. A good number of the “artworks” are considered racy for the time period, but they also were morale boosters for the crews that flew the aircraft.
One of these talented nose art painters is Owen Hughes of Newark, New York. Now in his 90s, Hughes is still an active painter. His artwork will be seen on the nose of “Doc,” the B-29 bomber currently undergoing restoration by the United States Aviation Museum. Doc is expected to be flying later this year.

Catholic War Veterans establishes scholarships
Catholic War Veterans John Paul II of Lake County established two annual scholarships — one each for a male and female student — at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor.
The students must submit a written submission relating what it means to have a family member or relative as a veteran or actively serving in the U.S. military.
The scholarship winners for 2015 are Victor Prokop and Alexandria Schmitt. Each was awarded a $500 scholarship for the college of their choice.
For details about CWV, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156 or visit www.cwvpost 1959.org.

Madison VFW hosts Valentine’s Day dinner
Madison Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will host a Valentine’s Day spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the post home. Dinner is $5 per person and children younger than 10 years will be served free. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Painesville auxiliary will serve breakfast
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the post. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Men’s auxiliary in Madison hosts breakfast
Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 8548, 7604 Lake Road E. in Madison Township, will serve a sausage gravy breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 15 at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-428-3050.

Ladies serve kielbasa and sauerkraut dinner
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2595, 570 Liberty St. in Painesville, will host a sauerkraut, kielbasa and potato dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the post home. For details, call the post home at 440-354-9090.

Dinner, dancing 
for Valentine’s Day
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Valentine’s Day dinner dance at the post Feb. 14.
Dinner will be served 6 to 8 p.m., followed by dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. The event will include sideboards and a 50/50 raffle.
To RSVP, call the post home at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

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

Willoughby Legion 
hosts Chinese Auction
The Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Chinese auction beginning at 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the post home.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and numbers will be pulled at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes lunch and four tickets. For tickets or information, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762 or leave a message at 440-942-5113.
Proceeds benefit America Legion Auxiliary programs.

SAL host lucky shoots 
Sons of the American Legion of 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.

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.

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

Breakfasts and dinners sure sign of spring

I have always hated Mondays and this week has been no exception.
After being buried in snow on Monday morning, I made my way into the office thinking about spring. Spring is the time of year we thaw out and get out to Sunday morning pancake breakfasts or to the Friday evening fish fry dinners, which are so popular throughout Lent.
It is that time of year when announcements begin coming in from posts in the area announcing the Friday evening fish fry meals or the Sunday morning pancake breakfasts. If the post you belong to host events like these, please send in the details so everyone can enjoy some springtime hospitality.

Rolling Thunder entertains hospitalized veterans
Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 Ohio will visit the Louis B. Stokes Veterans Affairs Hospital on Feb. 8.
The afternoon will be spent playing bingo with the veterans. Prizes will be awarded for each game while chapter members mingle with the participants.

Sons to serve Prime Rib dinner
Sons of American Legion Post 336, 60 Chester St. in Painesville, will serve a prime rib dinner 5 to 8 p.m., Feb. 7 at the post home.
Dinner is $15 and includes red skin potatoes, vegetable, salad, bread and a dessert. For details, call the post at 440-357-7711.

Catholic War Veterans host membership drive
Catholic War Veterans Post 1959 will host a membership drive Feb. 7 and 8 at all the Masses of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Willoughby.
Membership requires the veterans be a practicing Catholic and an honorably discharged veteran. For details, call Ken Kirchner, second vice commander, at 440-257-2156 or visit www.cwvpost1959.org.

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.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary hosts breakfast
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Post 3863, 33641 Vine St. in Eastlake, will host a breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 8 at the post home.
Breakfast will be $5 per person and all are welcome. For details, call the post at 440-942-3980.

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.
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.

Dinner, dancing for Valentine’s Day
American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Valentine’s Day dinner dance at the post Feb. 14. Dinner will be served 6 to 8 p.m., followed by dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. The event will include sideboards and a 50/50 raffle. To RSVP, call the post home at 440-942-7762 after 3 p.m.

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

Willoughby Legion hosts Chinese Auction
The Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 214, 4304 Center St. in Willoughby, will host a Chinese auction beginning at 1 p.m., Feb. 15 at the post home.
Doors open at 1 p.m. and numbers will be pulled at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes lunch and four tickets. Grand prizes will include a Samsung Smart TV; a set of cookware valued at $1,500; a booze basket and a $200 gift certificate from Sheraton Furniture.
For tickets or more information, call the post after 3 p.m. at 440-942-7762 or leave a message at 440-942-5113. Proceeds benefit America Legion Auxiliary programs.

Fish Fry dinners beginning
The Ladies Auxiliary of Mentor Headlands AMVETS Post 40, 9141 Jordan Drive in Mentor, will host a fish fry 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday evening from Feb. 20 through April 3.
The dinners are open to the public, dine in or carry out with curbside pickup also available. For details, call 440-257-5825.


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.