Dept. CDR's Update (February 1st)
- Todd McKinley
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
This past Thursday I made my 3rd appearance on Caravan to Midnight w/ John B. Wells. John's show is heard on thousands of Salem Radio Network stations and is streamed and downloaded the world over. I was proud to speak on behalf of myself, with my intent to promote the American Legion and given the thousands of comments across social media, I believe I did a decent job. Yes, Mr. Wells had every right to stray into partisan politics, but I didn't jeopardize the good name of the American Legion and endorse one side (left v right) in anyway. Plus, I gave a disclaimer at the beginning, and in no way did I represent the national organization. When given nearly an hour and a half of national airtime, I would be a fool to say no. I personally thank Mr. Wells and his awesome wife Brendi Wells. John first mentions me at 1:09:16 and I'm introduced and begin my part at 1:37:32.
A Few Key Times:
1:39:48 American Legion Disclaimer
1:40:00 Americanism Pillar & Illegal Immigration
1:41:00 Leaving the Service
1:43:00 Join the American Legion & Why
1:44:35 How to Be Heard
1:45:00 Nonpartisan
1:46:00 Top Issues
1:47:00 Keep the VA
1:49:00 Mandatory Retirement
1:49:40 Army ROTC
1:50:35 ETS’ing
1:51:35 PTSD
1:52:00 Mental Health & Be The One
1:53:00 Modern Warfare
1:55:00 Lack of Humanity
1:56:00 Homelessness
2:11:00 Keep Your Promise
2:12:45 Homelessness Again
2:14:00 Chemical Exposure
2:15:00 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans
2:17:45 Called to Serve
2:21:00 Colonel Chris Wyatt
2:21:40 Purpose, Direction, and Motivation
2:22:40 Women’s Veterans
2:27:48 Desmond Doss
2:28:17 National Security
2:28:58 American Legion Disclaimer
2:29:03 End of Life Care
2:30:20 It’s the Office
2:37:35 Oaths Never Expire
2:39:00 Stop Rioting & Corruption
2:40:30 Do Your Research & Vote
2:40:45 Reach Out to Me
2:42:00 Law & Order
2:43:50 American Legion Preamble
2:44:50 Purpose, Direction & Motivation
2:45:10 Re-Purpose
2:45:30 Coherent Message
2:46:40 Be Heard
2:48:40 VSOs Can Help
2:49:00 We Stand in the Gap
2:50:00 Finances
2:52:00 We Have the Skills
2:54:00 A Commander in Chief that Cares
2:54:30 American Legion Riders
2:55:14 Join/Renew
2:55:44 Contact Me & I’ll Help
Note: The American Legion is a 501c19 Veterans Service Organization. Any opinions given by me are my own and doesn’t necessarily represent the greater national American Legion or every Member of the Department of Tennessee. In fact, the views given were my own.
For the Love of Shoney...Attend this Class!!!
First off, God bless our Chaplain Shoney and everyone said Amen!
Folks,
You've asked for more diverse training and our awesome Chaplain is going to be spreading the good word about being a Chaplain and I want to thank him for doing this on his own initiative and that's what I want to see more of. Those who attend will receive my challenge coin and commander pin. FYI, this also counts as Be The One and USA250 event, so bear that in mind for those who like bragging rights.
District and division participation would be great.
Weekly Schedule
February 2nd: State of the State Address, Nashville.
February 3rd: Tennessee Commander's Chat: www.facebook.com/commanderchat
Membership
We finshed the week .95% away from meeting our February 11th membership goal of 85%. However, we've slipped to 31st place and we're begining to slow down. What I'm asking from everyone of you is to push membership through to the end of May.
Q: Why push membership?
A: If you listened to my interview (link above), then you would know my answer is there's strenght in numbers and if we don't have much higher membership numbers, then everything we're doing this year, from our legislative agenda to our Be The One Commission will not bear fruit. That's the why!
Voter Voice
I'm not sure we ended up this week, but I certainly did my part, how about you.
Legion Family Day on the Hill (March 12th)
The first ever Legion Family Day on the Hill. will be held Thursday, March 12th in Nashville and will coincide with Be The One Day in Tennessee.
This link will be updated regularly, check back often..
Full Disclosure
State Senator Bobby Harshbarger has been working with me on our Legion Family Day on the Hill and he fully supports our Be The One Commission. So when he reached out asking me where the American Legion Department of Tennessee stands on his PBM reform bill SB 2040 where some outside groups much like those who supported the "claims sharks" were mmisrepresenting where Veterans and VSOs stand, I took excption, given we've yet to form our legisltive agenda. Below is the memo I sent him speaking out against false claims.
Subject: American Legion Department of Tennessee Commander Concurs w/ Sen. Harshbarger
From: Department Commander Todd A. McKinley
Date: 29 January 2026
To: Tennessee State Senator Bobby Harshbarger & Media Outlets
Fellow Tennesseans,
I’m writing this memo to refute the claims being made about the PBM reform bill SB 2040 and the false claims that it would disrupt or take away TRICARE in any manner. In fact, as Commander of the American Legion Department of Tennessee and recipient of TRICARE, I’m reminded of those who pushed the ability for “Claim Sharks,” to have a foothold in the Volunteer State. Now those same types are trying to misinform the public that Veterans and especially Veterans Service Organizations are opposed to this reform bill. Let me state to clear up any misinformation, the American Legion Department of Tennessee isn’t opposed to SB2040 in the least. At present, we’re still drafting our Department Legislative Agenda, which will be made public in late February and support for SB2040 may very well be part of or final agenda.
As Department Commander and as a Constituent of Senator Harshbarger, I want to say he’s been forthcoming and very willing to work with the Department of Tennessee and all Veterans and the greater Legion Family, which includes the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. He and his staff have worked diligently with me and our Department Legislative Chairman to setup the first ever Legion Family Day on the Hill on March 12th, 2026 (link below) and I look forward to continuing our partnership. Speaking of partnerships, we look to work with every Legislator regardless of political party, given our status as a 501c19. Thank you, Senator Harshbarger, for bringing this dilemma to my attention, the goodwill continues. I also want to thank fellow Legionnaire Gary Stidham for bringing this to my attention.
Note: The American Legion if a 501c19 nonprofit and as such, we advocate for sound policies for Veterans and their families. We don’t pick winners and losers on a partisan basis.
“VOLS: Veterans Offering Lifelong Service”
Todd A. McKinley
Department Commander
American Legion Department of Tennessee
Be The One Mid South Roundup
There's many ways to help, from registering to attend, assisting in many other ways from volunteering to serve on the planning committee (FYI: YOU DON'T HAVE to BE a RIDER to VOLUNTEER), and yes, I plan to volunteer every day. We need help from the entire Legion Family to help promote and make this event a great success.
Please read the link for more information: www.toddmckinley.com/post/be-the-one-mid-south-roundup-may15-17
“VOLS: Veterans Offering Lifelong Service”
Todd A. McKinley
Department Commander
American Legion Department of Tennessee
