MY FIRST DEPLOYMENT

THANK A VETERAN
November 1, 2014 Issue 51 The Peoples Paper
MY FIRST DEPLOYMENT
By Clarence “Frenchie” Frye
Many veterans remember the first time they ever deployed. For many, their deployments took them into the heart of danger and under
fire from an enemy force. World War I & II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraq/Afghanistan are conflicts which are most
notable in the past 100 years. My first deployment was one of presence and posture during a lesser known conflict recognized as the Cold
War. I reported to my 1 st ship in mid-March of 1980 and deployed exactly one month later to the Northern Indian Ocean as part of the USS
Dwight D. Eisenhower Battle Group. There were only three ships in the group Eisenhower, Virginia and South Carolina. All three of us were
nuclear powered and capable of sustaining 25 knots all the way to our station, half a world away from Norfolk, VA. That might not sound
like a very fast speed, but a sustained 25 knots(30 mph) for two weeks can take you over 10,000 miles.
A couple of events occurred during our transit to station which stand out. The first was my initiation into the Realm of King Neptune,
which every Sailor knows as Shellback Initiation. The ritual was marked with such tasks as “announcing sunrise, dressed only in skivvies,”
“kissing the Royal Baby in the belly button,” and “crawling through the dregs of the deep.” This ceremony is only performed when a ship
crosses the equator, which is King Neptune’s domain (wink, wink). The ceremony and games were, and are meant as fun and a way to
keep an old Navy tradition alive.
The second event was the failed rescue attempt of the hostages in Iran. I remember hearing about it and wondering whether our
deployment would include more attempts to rescue the hostages. As it turned out, Operation Eagle Claw would be the only attempt.
Once we arrived on station we settled in to what would become what seemed like a 7 month groundhog day. Daily routine at sea can
often seem very mundane, and each day looks like yesterday, but I can’t believe any of us were prepared for this day-in and day-out
monotonous existence.
In the 7 months that we were actually on station, we did get the chance to visit a couple of liberty ports. Liberty ports are best defined as
ports of call where the crew is given time off to go ashore for relaxing and fun events like tours, shopping, sightseeing and drinking a beer
or two. Only one of our ports gave us that opportunity. Our first stop was to the island of Mauritius in the southern Indian Ocean. Mauritius
happens to be the only place on the planet that the Dodo Bird lived…yes, it was a real bird. Mauritius was a great port call and I got to see
beautiful waterfalls and beaches, but also got to taste some of my first “exotic” foods. I have a story about Shark’s Fin soup and bamboo
shoots, but that’s for another time.
The other port we visited (3 times) was Diego Garcia in the central Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia was not considered a liberty port since we
were tied up next to a Destroyer Repair ship and we worked every day doing repairs and maintenance. We did have opportunities to go
ashore, but were restricted to the swimming beach and the bar. Most of us chose the bar.
Some of the memorable events while on station included USO shows. I think we had three shows aboard South Carolina, but I only got to
see two of them. USO has always been great about bringing entertainment to the troops, some of it better than others. In 1980 the Miss
America Troupe came aboard and was a big hit. It’s not hard to figure out that scantily clad ladies performing for Sailors who had been at
sea for three months was a BIG hit.
Another memorable event came on the day that we were supposed to be allowed to have our beer ration for being at sea for 75 straight
days. Before leaving homeport we loaded on several cases of beer for the event, IF it happened. Unfortunately for us, the Skipper was a
tea-totaller and didn’t drink alcohol. He wasn’t in favor of us having our 2 beers, so he decided to use the beer to mix pancake batter and
had the cooks make beer pancakes one evening for dinner. I can honestly say I have NEVER tasted a nastier pancake in my life. Talk
about an “exotic” food!!! Yuck!
We returned to Norfolk, Virginia on December 22 nd , 1980 after nearly 8 ½ months away from home. Over the years deployments have
gone from 6 to 9 months for the US Navy, and I’ve been on 6 more since that first one in 1980. None of the other 6 deployments were as
tedious and monotonous. I have counted over 30 countries that I visited in the 18 years I served aboard ships at sea, but that first one will
always be memorable.

N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4
The Lebo Light Page 2
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER
1 Amanda Durst, Mindy Larson, Sarah Slate,
Daryl Knight, Whitney Frey
2 Ashley Waldron
3 William Allegre
4 Cody Long
5 R.D. Linsey
6 Betty Standiferd, Debra Schmid, Mark Miller
7 Mathew Hopkins, Teri Small Schlange
8 Harold Small, Dan Robertson, Tracy Bankson
Kathy Holmes
9 Leo Tastove
10 Jolene Vannocker, Travis Sullivan, Linda
Polson
11 Deanna Joss, Merry Lu Pasley
12 Glenda Failing
14 Jacob Uttinger
15 Nyla Shaner, Cory Hirt
16 Sydney Sullivan
17 Melinda Rausch, Colton Williams, Lori Gourley,
Robert White, Cody Holmes, Trent Jones
18 Kirsten Oswald
20 Troy Botkin
21 Sandy Bollinger
22 Dyane Gilmore Christiansen, Sheri Sherman
Margaret Heins
23 Kate Evans
26 Shirley Ormsby, John E Born, Angie Robertson
27 Andrew Love, Jim Roberts, Mary Kenney
28 Kevin Allegre
29 Trudy Orender
30 Bill Burnett, Ron Baker, Aaron Laflin
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER
2 Daylight Saving Ends Fall Back
3 City Council @ City Hall 7:00 pm
4 Curbside Recycle Pickup Lebo
ELECTION DAY
5 American Legion Meeting @ Legion Hall 7:00 pm
8 Stag Supper Legion 7:00 pm
10 American Legion Aux Meeting @ Legion Hall 9:30 am
11 VETERANS DAY
18 Curbside Recycle Pickup Lebo
22 Turkey Shoot Bingo @ Legion Hall 6:00 pm
27 THANKSGIVING
29 Small Business Saturday
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
11 Eldon & Roxanne Thomas
28 Bill & Star Brinkman
29 Arthur & Kelly Freund
30 Jeff & Shawna Dutton
Turn clock back
On Nov 2
CHURCH DIRECTORY
The Lebo/Olivet United Methodist Church has services in
Olivet at 8:30 a.m. and in Lebo at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday morning.
Sunday School is offered in Lebo for all ages at 9:45 a.m.
Pastor Tony Hazen
The Lebo Baptist Church has church services at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday
school at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday morning. Pastor Dick Odum
Email-lebolight@gmail.com
The Lebo Light is published
on or before the third of the
month.
To view the online version
www.thelebolight@blogspot.com
No internet service,
You can have it mailed,
Call (620) 256-0162 or
(620) 256-6168
Lennis McCreary
Publisher &
Administrator
PO Box 535
Lebo, Ks 66856
(620)256-0162
lebolight@gmail.com
Barbara Dailey
Executive Editor
Contributing Writer
(620) 256-6168
Please notify us if you move or change your snail mail
or email address.

N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4 The Lebo Light Page 3
WITH THE MEN IN THE ARMED FORCES
PUBLISHED IN THE COFFEY COUNTY REPUBLICAN 1945
Note: This article contains parts of a letter that Lennis McCrearys Dad wrote to his Mother while serving in the Navy.
Francis Marion (Bill) Newkirk S 1/c (Y) son of Mrs. M.E. (Alberta) Newkirk who enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and who now
has served overseas 14 months now wears six service bars, the Asiatic, South Pacific, American Theater, Philippines Liberation, Okinawa
Air Defense, Occupation and the Victory Ribbon with three battle starts has written his mother the following letter.
Okinawa, Sept. 14, 15, 16
Dearest Mother,
I am writing you this letter from the Flag Plot, which you know that I have mentioned many times before. Well, now I can explain what
the Flag Plot is. It is located above the signal bridge. The Admiral’s cabin is back of us. In this room we have radar equipment which shows
us where ships are, what bearing and how fast they are going. We have charts to track our course. I am the only one who is standing
watch tonight and will have to stand one every other day. When we were at Okinawa there were three of us standing watches, the
messenger, JS talker and duty yeoman and now I am the duty yeoman. All I do is enter important things in the log. This log consists of
everything that happens. We keep track of everything and if anything goes wrong we notify the Admiral.
Our raid “R” can pick up anything. That is the way we can tell where planes are, which direction they are traveling and we can pick up
anything that float. That way we can pick up any mines that might be floating so that we can get out of the way. Really is a nice outfit to
have for if automobiles had it there wouldn’t be any wrecks.
Above this deck is the last deck which has another signal bridge and signal flag hoist also the big arm that swings around which is the
radar “R” pick-up and right behind that is the smoke stack.
On the post side of this room is the gunnery office which isn’t doing anything at the moment. About the only time they are busy is when
there is an invasion on and they keep track of our forces as they advance. They have a large map to show this.
Right in back of the gunnery office is the operations office. There they take care of all the ships—where they are and where they are
going and they keep track of all the ships on the ocean where they are and where they are going, when they arrive and when they will
leave. Right in back of the operations is the Admiral’s cabin where he stays while we are at sea.
We got underway at 6 minutes after six on the road to Okinawa. Right now we are just passing another convoy. We are making fifteen
and a half knots with the wind against us. The water is a little rough and we are rocking pretty badly. Sometime I about fall off this chair,
right now I am hanging on.
For the first time since the start of the war we are traveling with all lights on, smoking on top side and we also had the movie topside,
really seems funny. We used to have to close all doors and port holes and not go on deck at night.
I go off at midnight and I bet that I really will sleep tight. Now it is morning and I did sleep tight last night. The next watch I have will be at
four in the morning.
They almost got our air conditioner working today and while it was she really was throwing out cold air.
Today in the office we didn’t do a darn thing but just sat around. I guess that when I get discharged I will have to work on a farm to get
my muscles and energy back. This yeoman work really makes a guy lazy.
The movie they had tonight was “Christmas Holiday” with Deanna Durbin. I have seen it before.
Looking at t he gage on the miles we have traveled it shows 4,963 right now for this trip.
Well, I will close for now and type this up tomorrow. This is today and we haven’t much work to do today either, just little things to type.
We were supposed to go to stay down at the Captain quarters this morning but they were having inspection and we didn’t want to
stand it.
I suppose that you have heard over the radio or read in the papers about us.
September 16 in the afternoon.
I had the four to eight watch this morning then came back down to the office and slept until 11 then went down to chow. All we had was
ham and ice cream.
Last night we had to turn around and go back toward Manila as we almost ran into a typhoon. We then went back, turned around and
came back, then turned again and went back when we had to stop dead still for about four hours to let the typhoon move on for if we ever
went into one it would be good-bye. We finally got under way again and now we are in the waters where it passed and boy is it rough! You
can’t even get up to walk around. I tried to lie down but had to hang on all the time .We really are listing. A ship can stand a 65 degree list
but they usually don't get that far. I hope we get out of this water by night as I want to sleep.
We had a good show last night. It was “Andy Hardy’s Blond Trouble.”
Right after chow this noon we played a couple of games of cards but I got tired and quit to type this letter.
I think that we are now in the East China Sea. Last night we were going to enter the Yellow Sea but had to turn around to get out of the
way of the storm.
Continued on page 4

N O V E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 4 The Lebo Light Page 4
Cont from page 3
MEN IN THE ARMED FORCES
They say that the “Flag” is going to break
up next month and that we are going to
come home. I hope that this is true and boy,
you don’t need to worry for when I find out if
it is the truth, you will know.
Well, I guess, that is about all for now so
will close and continue tomorrow. I hope the
weather there is a lot quieter than it is here.
If you think that you have seen storms you
should be out here where you really would
see something. I like storms. They seem to
be friendly. Remember how you used to be
scared of them?
September 22
We are going to leave October 6 for Pearl
Harbor and will get there the 29th where
some of us will be reassigned and some of
us will get to come home.
We left Sasebo this morning at six and we
just now have anchored at Nagasaki at a
quarter till ten and will leave here this
evening at 1900.
All my love, Bill
As near as I, Lennis, can figure out my Dad
was serving on the USS Auburn during
these letters, he also served on the USS
George Clymer.
Lebo Community Food
Pantry News.
Monday evenings 5-7
Wednesday afternoon 3-5
Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9-11
Anyone living within the 66856 zip code is
welcome to come once each month .
Donations of basic food and personal items
are always welcome and cash donations are
used to order from the Kansas Food Bank
each month. You can donate fruit, eggs,
butter, cottage cheese, canned tuna &
chicken, peanut butter, sugar free items, tea
bags or instant, deodorant, dish and laundry
soap, shampoo, toothpaste, trash bags.
Items can be dropped off at Baptist Church.
Once again, thank you to our little community
for the generous donations to help others!
BURIAL AND MEMORIAL BENEFITS
AVAILABLE TO VETERANS
The Veterans Administration offers a number of burial and memorial benefits to
veterans. If their discharge from the military was under conditions other than
dishonorable, these need to be verified. You’ll need a copy of the veterans DD form 214
“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” which can be requested online at
archives.gov/veterans.
If eligible, and a veteran wants to be buried in one of the 131 national or 93 state VA
cemeteries the VA benefits provided at no cost to the family include a gravesite; opening
and closing of the grave; perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a
United States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn
(after the funeral service, the flag is given to the next-of-kin as keepsake); and a
Presidential memorial certificate, which is an engraved paper certificate signed by the
current President expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the veteran’s service.
National cemetery burial benefits are also available to spouses and dependents of
veterans.
If veteran is cremated, the remains will be buried or inurned in the same manner as
casketed remains.
If veteran is going to be buried in a private cemetery, the benefits available include a
free government headstone or marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing
privately purchase headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential memorial
certificate.
Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not, however, taken care of by the
VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family.
Another benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private
cemetery is a military funeral honors ceremony. This includes folding and presenting the
U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s survivors and the playing of Taps, performed by two or
more uniformed military members.
The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests.
Depending on what you want, certain forms may be need to be completed which are
always better to be done in advance. For a complete rundown of burial and memorial
benefits, eligibility details and required forms call 800-827-1000.
In addition to the many burial benefits, some veterans may also qualify for a $734
burial and funeral expense allowance, if hospitalized by VA at time of death, or $300, if
not hospitalized by VA at time of death, and a $734 plot –interment allowance to those
who choose to be buried in a private cemetery.
To apply for burial allowances, you’ll need to fill out VA form 21-530 “Application for
Burial Benefits.” You have to attach a copy of discharge document (DD 214 or
equivalent), death certificate, funeral and burial bills. They should show that they have
been paid in full. You can download the form at va.gov/vaforms.
LEBO’S 15TH ANNUAL
VETERAN’S DAY TRIBUTE
The 15th Annual Veteran’s Day Tribute at Lebo School will be at 2:00 pm on Veterans
day, Tuesday, November 11 in the large gym. Veterans from each of the five military
branches will be recognized.
A reception for Veterans, their family and friends will be served at 1:30 pm in the school
commons area. Contact Lebo elementary school if you need more information at
620-256-6161.
The program is free and open to the public.

N O V E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 4
The Lebo Light
Page 5
Veterans Day honors all who have
served in the armed forces, while Memorial
Day commemorates those who have died in
service to our country. Both holidays
emphasize the importance of passing
knowledge to our children of the cost of the
freedoms we enjoy.
My mom did a stellar job of
communicating to me deep respect for
those who serve in the military. She is a
member of the generation that lived and
fought in World War II, and although she is in
the tenth year since her Alzheimer’s
diagnosis, she has not forgotten. I always
wonder if I have done as good a job teaching
my children to honor those who serve.
As I tried to think of a way to
communicate the importance of sharing this
message, I remembered good old Pastor
Davis, a character from my novel. His
Memorial Day sermon works for Veterans
Day as well, if you will add the phrase “…and
the living who have served…” each time he
mentions those who have given their lives in
service to our country.
In this scene Lydia and her friends are
seated in their pew (third row back, choir
side) at the Karola Community Church. With
heartfelt gratitude to those who have served
in the armed forces of the United States,
here are Pastor Davis’ words from chapter
36 of The Children Are Tender (Ambassador
International, 2013):
“We gather today to remember the
honored dead: men and women who have
given their lives in service of our country.
Because times of comfort usher us into
complacency, we must be intentional in
remembering—and in teaching our children
to remember—that the tranquility we enjoy
today was purchased by the blood of those
who died to preserve that peace. Let us
remember them with thanksgiving now.”
We bowed our heads. I was still
perusing the bulletin insert listing the honor
roll of Karolites who had served in the armed
forces when, just a few seconds into our
moment of silence, Pastor Davis continued:
“It is good to remember. As
Americans we remember those who
have died to preserve the freedom we so
take for granted, and as Christians we
must remember always what Christ has
done for us, and how He has safely
brought us to this day.”
Pastor Davis scanned the crowd, his
fiery gaze seeming to alight on each of
his parishioners by turn. I found myself
moving slightly to my left so that Hattie
Meeker’s curly gray perm blocked me
from the good pastor’s line of sight.
“Remember how gracious God has
been to you, and how kindly He has dealt
with you in the past. Deuteronomy 4:9
says: ‘Only take heed to thyself, and keep
thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the
things which thine eyes have seen, and
lest they depart from thy heart all the
days of thy life…’ That passage goes on
to admonish us to teach these things we
have seen to our children and to our
grandchildren. See to it that you do not
neglect this most important of directives
from the Lord: do not forget what God
has done for you! And do not neglect to
tell your children and theirs.
“The hymn Amazing Grace speaks to
our hearts because it affirms what we
have found to be true: while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us. The third verse
of that hymn addresses the need to
remember where we have been in the
past in order that our faith may be edified
to trust God for where he will take us in
the future: ‘Through many dangers, toils,
and snares, I have already come; Tis
grace hath brought me safe thus far, and
grace shall lead me home.’
“On this day of remembrance, be
mindful of how God has brought you
safely to this day. Remember, and teach
your children and your grandchildren,
that they may come to a saving
knowledge of God’s amazing grace for
themselves.”
***
Pastor Davis is a fictional character
with a nonfiction message: never take
freedom for granted, remember where
we’ve been, and teach our children to
honor not only the men and women who
are willing to defend us, but the God who
has brought us safe thus far.
Adult Exercise and Fun
Monday @ 6:00 pm Knot Just For Knitters
Monday & Wednesday @ 1:00
Chair Exercise
Thursday @ 1:30 pm
Wii bowling & popcorn
Youth
W e d n e s d a y @ 2 : 0 0 p m – S c h o o l
Storytime
Fridays @ 10:00 am Public Storytime
Mondays after school program, 3rd thru
6th grades Pets
Wednesday after school program, K thru
2nd , Fall Theme
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week
November 17-21 *Special guest readers,
*visit from curious George and *Contest
and Prizes *1,000 books before
Kindergarten kickoff.
Genealogy Fair
November 19 from 4– 8:00 pm
Eileen Davis & Ann Rogers will help
researchers who have reached a block or
need assistance on how to find items,
Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving
Day @ 8:00 am
Exercise benefits you physically and
mentally, and it’s a great way to star the
day before eating & football games begin.
Call library for details & watch for flyers.
Thankful Tree
What are you thankful for this
Thanksgiving season? Stop by library and
share your message on our Thankful tree.
Thanksgiving Break Fun
Class sizes limited to 15 and you must
register ahead.
Wednesday , 26th @ 1:00 Ice dyed pillow
cases
Friday, 28th @ 1:00 pm shrink dink jewelry
Displays
Veteran’s Day Memorabilia by
Rodney Lewis & Terry Thomas
Quilts of Honor
Made by Lebo Volunteers will be given
through a drawing at the Lebo Veterans
Tribute on November 11.
Hours
Mon. Wed.—9am-7pm
Tues, Thurs, Fri—9am-5pm
Saturday—9am-noon

N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4
The Lebo Light
P a g e 6
BLUE RIBBON 4-H CLUB’S
OCTOBER MEETING
BY Dawn Williams, parent reporter
The regular monthly meeting of the Blue
Ribbon 4-H Club was held on October 8,
2014 at the Lebo United Methodist Church.
The annual parent’s night meeting was
called to order by Parent President, Emily
Darbyshire. Flag leaders, Mindy Pendlay and
Missy Weiss lead the club in reciting the flag
salute and 4-H pledge. Parent Secretary,
Karen Sergeant recorded roll call which was
answered by “What is your favorite football
team?” The September minutes were read
by the secretary and approved by the
president. Parent Treasurer, Dwight Krueger
gave the Treasurer’s Report. Parent
Reporter, Dawn Williams gave the reporter’s
report. Council report was given by Melissa
Combes. Melissa announced that the
achievement banquet was scheduled for
November 9 th at 5:00 at the 4-H Building.
The banquet will include a meal this year.
Members A-M will need to bring a side dish
and members N-Z will need to bring a dessert.
The banquet is a western theme and
the dress attire is casual. The parliamentary
tip was given by Heather Adams on how the
meeting should be run. Leader’s reports
were given by Dawn Williams and Karen
Sergeant. Karen stated that all enrollment
and participation forms are due to Dawn at
the bank or to Karen’s residence by Oct 24.
Karen also reminded the members that the
community leaders are Emily Darbyshire,
Dawn Williams and herself. Karen explained
the new enrollment procedure that is taking
place this year. The State 4-H organization is
requiring that all members now enroll online.
Karen explained that for now Coffey County
is requiring both paper forms and online
enrollment. Enrollment online is from
November 1 st thru November 15 th . Dawn
started her leaders report by reminding the
members that the cleanup and bon fire was
scheduled for October 11 th . She also stated
that the club had been approached about
serving concessions at an auction. A gift
basket and Thank You card was presented
to RD and Cindy Linsey for their years of
service to the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club. There
was no old business. For new business the
club voted to donate to the March of Dimes,
American Heart Association, American
Diabetes and the Lebo United Methodist
Church. The club also voted to serve
concessions at an upcoming auction.
The program was turned over the
Parent Vice President, Landon Linsey. An
illustrated talk was given by Curt
Sergeant about “How to build a better
Bon Fire”. Parent song leader Melissa
Combes lead the club in singing “Row,
Row, Row your Boat. Parent recreation
leader Dawn Williams lead the club in
playing musical chairs. The Krueger
family announced the October
community service project is to solicit
donations for the Knights of Columbus at
Friday night’s football game. The club
recited the club motto and the meeting
was adjourned. The Krueger family
served refreshments.
Blue Ribbon 4-H host parents night
The picture: L-R Missy Weiss,
Landon Linsey, Emily Darbyshire,
Karen Sergeant and Mindy Pendlay.
MEDICARE
2015 PRESCRIPTION DRUG
PROGRAM
OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7,
2014
By Barbara Dailey
Compare Enroll Change
Medicare encourages anyone with a
prescription drug plan to review their
coverage yearly. Have your prescriptions
changed? Will your premiums and co-pays
increase? Will your current plan still be
available in 2015? Do you qualify to receive
EXTRA HELP paying your premiums?
Do you need help comparing plans or
enrolling in a medicare prescription drug
plan? Barbara Dailey, your local SHICK
(Senior Health Insurance Counseling for
Kansas) volunteer can help. To schedule an
appointment, call 620-256-6168. If
unavailable, please leave name and phone
number.
LEBO AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The Lebo American Legion Auxiliary met October 7, 2014. We will meet on Monday,
November 10 th at 9:30 to 11:00 am to collect gifts for the VA Christmas Gift Shop and
also have a short business meeting. All veterans are welcome to stop by for
refreshments. At this meeting packaged cookies may be brought to be taken to the VA
hospital. Suggestions for gifts include jewelry, night gowns, sweat shirts, electronics,
cameras, curling irons, small tools, towel sets, flannel shirts, throws, dolls, and gift cards
to fast food restaurants. Mens gifts are especially needed and sizes large through 3X for
both men and women. All items must be new and not breakable. In addition by
November 10 th , items can be brought to the Allegre Drug Store for Kansas military
service personnel such as snacks and items for personal use. A list if posted on the box.
The Lebo High School Student Council is the sponsor for this project. This is separate
from the Christmas Gift Shop. The Charger was draped in memory of Anna Louise Wiley,
Jenel Harper, and Ellen Sergeant.
Secretary, Betty Small

N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4
The Lebo Light
P a g e 7
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS
STORE NEEDS YOUR HELP
Donations are down this year. Hopefully
they will pick up so we can have a nice
selection for our kid shoppers.
The 6 th Annual Children’s Christmas Store will
be open on Saturday, December 13 for kids to
shop for family Christmas gifts. The store will be
open for children ages 4 to 12. Each child is to
bring whatever monies they have to spend
along with their list of names and ages of those
they are buying a gift for. The store is designed
as a way for kids to shop for family Christmas
gifts at “piggy bank” prices. Items in the store
are not priced and members of the community
can help make this a great shopping experience
for the kids by donating items suitable for
Christmas gifts. We need “gently used” or new
items along with wrapping paper, tape, boxes,
and bows. Donated items may be dropped off
at Dawn Jacoby’s, 316 W. 4th, and left on
porch. Please note new drop off location. All
monies raised will be used to purchase
Christmas gifts for less fortunate children in the
Lebo Community.
We will be located at the Lebo United
Methodist church from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00
noon. When the last child has finished
shopping (around noon) adults for one hour
only (until 1:00 p.m.) will be able to shop for
any items remaining for a donation.
Ideas for donated items (women) include
bath and beauty products, home accents,
purses, wallets, jewelry, knickknacks, cookbooks,
baking dishes, pans, cookie cutters,
picture frames, kitchen towels; (men) tools,
money clips, caps, mugs, flashlights, key
chains, cologne, sports or hunting items, picture
frames, sport books, car accessories;
(children) stuffed animals, books, puzzles,
games, DVD’s (games or movies), VHS movies.
Any questions, please contact Lennis
McCreary, 256-0162, or Dawn Jacoby,
620-794-4364.
Again, please note new drop off location for
your items this year as listed above.
AMERICAN LEGION
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Events:
LEGION MEETING:
The November American Legion meeting
will be held on WEDNESDAY, November 5th
at 7:00PM at the American Legion Hall due
to elections on Tuesday. The December
meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2nd.
All members are welcome! If you are a
Veteran, Reservist or on Active duty and not
a member of the American Legion, please
join our ranks. Contact Frenchie Frye, Tom
Zink, Ed Fisher, or Mick Sleezer for details.
The Fall STAG SUPPER will be held on Saturday,
November 8 th at 7:00 PM. at the
Legion Hall. Supper will cost $9.00. The
menu includes: Mountain Oysters, Ham,
baked beans, mashed potatoes, salad and
drinks. Everyone is welcome. Lip smackin’
good!
The Annual Turkey Shoot Bingo event will
be held on November 22nd at 6:00 PM at
the Legion Hall. Each game winner takes
home a turkey…just in time for
Thanksgiving. See you there!
The American Legion will sponsor a Chili
Cook-Off during the Small Business
Saturday event on November 29 th . All
entrants must sign-up and obtain a copy of
the rules for the Chili Cook-Off prior to
Thanksgiving (27 November). The sign-up
sheet and rules can be obtained at the Lebo
City Hall.
Notes and Votes:
The American Legion Hall is available for
events, parties, etc. Contact Frenchie Frye,
Tom Zink, Ed Fisher, or Mick Sleezer for
available dates and times. Cost is $35.00
per event.
Disability Items: The American Legion has
a number of items for disabled/injured
persons. Wheelchairs, crutches, etc. Contact
Frenchie Frye, Tom Zink, Tony Botkin, or Ed
Fisher for availability.
THE MILITARY MOM
The “Military” Mom
There hasn’t been much said
about the “military” mom…
yet no wars could ever
have been won without her.
A “military” mom is a teacher
of independence, perseverance,
discipline, and integrity,
possesses a great sense of
humor,
and can make of any house a
home.
She is a woman of quiet strength,
who has shaped the hearts
of our bravest heroes
and taught them
to value peace above all.
The “military” mom is unshakable
in love for her country.
That is how she is able to let go
of her most precious treasure –
a son or daughter.
We proudly salute
and thank
the “military” mom.
Eileen Hull 1998
The Lebo Light has a new address!
Donations and other correspondence should be mailed to
P O Box 535, Lebo, Ks 66856. News stories may be sent to
lebolight@gmail.com or mailed to our new address.
We need your suggestions for news stories. Better yet, write a
story of interest to our readers.

N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4
The Lebo Light wishes to express our
sincere condolences to the families that
have lost a loved one recently.
Ellen Elizabeth Sergeant, 85, died Monday,
September 29, 2014 at Sunset Manor in
Waverly. She was born June 5, 1929 at Wolf
Lake, Ill to Raymond Charles and Lena Mildred
Markert Schaefer. She was joined in marriage to
Charles Odean Sergeant on May 17, 1947 in
Anna, Ill. She and Odean celebrated 62 years of
marriage before his death December 25, 2009.
She was preceded in death by a son, Raymond
Charles “Chuck” Sergeant; a daughter, Alicia Ann
Stracener; and infant sister, Constance; two
brothers, Cyril and Carrol Schaefer; and her parents.
She is survived by a daughter, Karen Elaine
Robinson and husband, Malcolm, Topeka; a son,
Michael Steven Sergeant, Lebo; two brothers,
Eugene and Jimmy Schaefer; plus five
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Larry Rich, 66, of Lebo died Saturday, October
18, 2014. He was born August 8, 1948 at
Peoria, Ill. to Dale and Shirley (Witherspoon) Rich.
He married Rebecca Jo Fine July 7, 1988 in
Coffey County. They lived at Jacob’s Creek in
Coffey County before moving to Lebo in the
summer of 2014. Rebecca is the owner of Futuri
Salon and Day Spa in Lebo.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Carl McMackin
Jr.; two daughters, Jennie Tesch and Shanna
Clock; and a sister, Vicki Jackson; plus several
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his
father, Dale Rich; his mother, Shirlely Maxine
Gatewood; and a son, Jason Rich.
Betty Lou Webster, 74, of Topeka passed away
Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Rolling Hills
Health Center. She was born on May 27, 1940,
the daughter of Edgar H. and Vera A. (Wiley)
Webster. She grew up in the small town of
Ottumwa, Ks. in Coffey County. She graduated
from Lebo High School in 1958 and from Emporia
State University in 1962. Survivors include
a sister, Mary Ellen (Robert) Norris of Berryton
and a brother, James H. Webster of Burlington
plus several nieces and nephews.
The Lebo Light
Living a Healthy Life
with Chronic Conditions
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
PIES FOR MISSIONS
Ethel Circle of the Lebo United Methodist Church are baking
pies this year to sell to raise money for Missions. The cost of
a homemade 9 inch pie is only $11.00. Please call your
order in 2-3 days ahead of time. Give us a try, it will be
appreciated. You may contact one of the following Circle
members to order a pie:
Marilyn–256-6408 Carolyn-256-6074 Pat-256-6534
Irma—256-6151
P a g e 8
C o m m u n i t y
T h a n k s g i v i n g
C e l e b r a t i o n
A full traditional Thanksgiving Meal will be prepared by Lebo
Baptist church and served to the Community on Saturday, November
22. Serving begins at 5:00 till 7:00 pm or until food is gone.
The dinner is free and open to the entire community.
Make plans to come and enjoy a meal with friends and neighbors
as our guests!
Meals can be delivered to those unable to get out. Call the church
to make arrangements.
The Coffey County Health Department is offering the “Living a Healthy Life with
Chronic Conditions” (KOHP) developed by Stanford University. This highly
motivational, interactive workshop series offers strategies for learning to cope with
various chronic health conditions (arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety,
heart disease, chronic pain, etc.) Participants will learn ways to improve everyday
living by discovering practical ways to deal with and reduce pain and fatigue,
discover better nutrition and exercise choices, communication skills to be used
when talking with your physician, family members, and understanding new
treatment choices. This program is for anyone who has a chronic health condition,
their family members and caregivers.
This FREE, FUN FILLED 6 week program is facilitated by two trained leaders
Thelma Jones RN, and Cindy Joy RN, who also have a chronic condition. The class
will meet every Thursday starting November 6 th through December 18 th excluding
November 27, Thanksgiving Day, from 1-3 at the Burlington Library Conference
Room. For additional information and to register, please call the Coffey County
Health Department at 620-364-8631 or 1-800-947-4271.
The 4 th annual Shop Small Business Saturday in Lebo will be held November
29 th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Business owners both retail and home based
will be at the Reed Building (northwest of the Lebo Diner)
Many other activities have been planned for the day including carriage rides,
a kid’s play area with a bouncy house, and face painting. Watch for other
activities to be announced.
Those interested in setting up a booth are asked to contact Amber Barrett at
620-343-0663 or www.facebook.com/ambermiller12327.