Dept. CDR's Update (October 26th)
- Todd McKinley
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
I want to begin this week by giving our awesome Senior Vice Commander a shoutout. She's going to be a great Department Commander.
If you're not using the new department specific logos, please begin to do so. Studies show that the Tennessee tri-star in branding increases sells of companies who've embraced it, and it can serve a similar role as we try to sell the great American Legion. Carrie Carpenter worked hard on the logos for all of us, let's use them and grow our great organization. She also worked on the information contained in the second link as well, please take a look at both.
Weekly Schedule
October 28th: Tennessee Commander's Chat: www.facebook.com/commanderchat
Midwinter Conference
In addition to registering for the midwinter conference, I must remind everyone who intends on running for Department Commander or Dept. Senior Vice Commander that you must submit your resolution in accordance to Article VII, Section 1 of the Constitution. Albeit, one can technically run from the floor at the June Department Convention, however, that's not fair to the local Post when it comes to them deciding on who to support.
ARTICLE VII
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
Section 1. At the Department Convention a Department Commander and Department
Senior Vice Commander whose nominating resolutions have been forwarded to
the Department Adjutant, and received by the Mid-Winter Conference, will be
elected by the whole body, who cannot serve until properly installed at the same
Department Convention. The Department Commander and/or Department Senior Vice
Commander will be limited to two terms in oice, and they must run consecutively. At the
Division caucus conducted during the annual Department Convention, there shall be a
Vice Commander for each of the three Grand Divisions whose nominating resolutions
have been forwarded to the Department Adjutant, and received by the Mid-Winter
Conference, to be elected, who cannot serve until properly installed at the same
Department Convention.
Be The One Commission Members
Folks, I'll have the initial resolutions ready for your approval by the end of November, at which point I'll send to everyone. These initial resolutions are cut and dry and after you give me the approval, I'll send to the State Senate for further dispensation.
Upcoming Events
I'll just say, we need participation and we need volunteers.
Speaking of the Be The One Mid-South Roundup, our National Riders Chairman will be in attendance, will you? I know I'll be there volunteering every single day and night. Speaking of volunteers, Jared expects we'll need 25-30 daily, will you step up? Please and thank you!
Membership
From Dean's email last week.
American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley will award his national commander Be the One membership incentive pin to any Legionnaire who obtains two new members into The American Legion.
A new member is any eligible person joining for the 2026 membership year who was not a member of The American Legion during the 2025 membership year. Transfers do not count as new members.
Each member listed must be eligible for membership in The American Legion. New Auxiliary members and Sons of The American Legion members do not count toward this incentive. Forward names of Sons of The American Legion members or Auxiliary members to your squadron or unit for use in their respective incentive programs.
Only one coin will be awarded per individual. Upon receipt, American Legion National membership staff will confirm the names in the national database and mail the coin directly to the person who earned it.
“VOLS: Veterans Offering Lifelong Service”
Todd A. McKinley
Department Commander
American Legion Department of Tennessee
