Dept. CDR's Update (December 21st)
- Todd McKinley
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This week's shout out goes to the Department HQ staff who are actively preparing for another Department Midwinter Conference, if you're not registered, please do so soon.
Special Announcement #1:
On Monday, December 18th, National Commander Wiley was in the Oval Office as President Trump signed an Executive Order reclassifying cannabis.
Special Announcement #2:
1.) Past Department Commander Lee Buchschacher completed a project I tasked him with back during National Convention. Folks, Past National Vice Commander Doug Uhrig from the Department of Wyoming will be in attendance and will make a special presentation to our department during the Sunday general session. You have to attend to know exactly what, no sneak previews here.
2.) If you attend the Midwinter Conference and haven't received a coin from me, come up to me and introduce yourself, tell me which Post you're from and why you joined the Legion Family (Legion, Auxiliary and SAL) and I'll give you a coin, while supplies last.
Special Announcement #3:
This story reinforces the importance of having a finance committee, holding regular audits, purchaisng fraud insurance, getting bonded, and ensuring that no one person fills more than one of the following positions, Post Commander, Vice Commander, Adjutant and Finance Officer.
Weekly Schedule
No weekly events scheduled.
Membership
We ended the week up a position to 19th place nationally and stand at 77.84% or 427 shy of making our 80% goal. Thus far we've met every membership target date, and that's a testament to all of you. In fact, we're 1 of 23 who've done so thus far, so I thank you. Our next target date is just after midwinter conference, but I believe with teamwork, that we'll be closer to 85%.
MID-WINTER JANUARY 14, 2026 80%
PRESIDENT’S DAY FEBRUARY 11, 2026 85%
LEGION BIRTHDAY MARCH 11, 2026 90%
CHILDREN & YOUTH APRIL 8, 2026 95%
ARMED FORCES DAY MAY 13, 2026 100%
Voter Voice
We finished 3rd again, thank you to every one who day after day sends visits Voter Voice.
Buddy Checks
Remember, continue performing buddy checks throughout the Christmas season, pay particular attention to those who've lost their spouse over the past year.
Rebranding Logo
Free to use for all levels within the Department, also, the SAL logo has been fixed and now says Detachment, which was the original intent.
Legion Charities
I know we're in the season of giving, and if you're wondering which charity to donate to this year, please consider a Legion charity.
BE THE ONE
The American Legion’s top priority is to reduce veteran suicides by encouraging veterans, caregivers and others to "Be the One" to save the life of one veteran. Instead of focusing on the staggering number of veteran lives lost each day, it is time to focus on saving one at a time. That starts with destigmatizing mental health issues and making it OK for veterans to ask for help.
Your donation to American Legion Charities will be used to help The American Legion fulfill its mission to support veterans, military personnel, families and communities. American Legion Charities distributes funds where they are most needed to support programs and services of the organization.
AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS & CHILDREN FOUNDATION
The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation, the national commander's top fundraising priority, provides vital support for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises and support for service officers in their tireless efforts to obtain care and due benefits and opportunities of disabled veterans and families.
Thanks to the support of generous donors like you, The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
CHILD WELL-BEING FOUNDATION
The American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children across the nation.
Thanks to the support of generous donors like you, The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship helps ensure higher education is a possibility for children who lost a parent to death on active duty, or suffered a service-connected disability rated 50 percent or greater by VA, since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Thanks to the support of generous donors like you, The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND
The National Emergency Fund provides direct, immediate cash grants for veterans in the aftermath of major catastrophes, such as tornadoes, floods, wildfires or hurricanes.
Thanks to the support of generous donors like you, The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
OPERATION COMFORT WARRIORS
Military personnel and veterans recovering from wounds and illnesses at medical facilities and transition units receive comfort items, rehabilitation equipment and recreational opportunities through Operation Comfort Warriors.
Thanks to the support of generous donors like you, The American Legion can continue to provide much-needed assistance to disabled veterans, U.S. military families with children at home who are facing unexpected financial hardships, troops recovering from wounds and illnesses and the children of fallen troops and disabled veterans.
.“VOLS: Veterans Offering Lifelong Service”
Todd A. McKinley
Department Commander
American Legion Department of Tennessee
