Special Projects Update: Be The One Tennessee

On July 28th, exactly one month after turning over the Department Commander position to Tonya Launsby (pronounced LAWNS-BEE), I sent my first email as the first ever Special Projects Chairman regarding Be The One Days across the great Volunteer State.

Before I explain further, I want to thank Commander Launsby for the opportunity to continue to pursue the things I really love to do for all Legionnaires, the Legion Family and all fellow Veterans, namely legislative advocacy, crafting our legislative agenda, coordinating our Legion Family Day on the Hill and of course working our Be The One mission.

The Explanation

I retooled last year's Be The One Day resolution and proclamation that were used in several counties last year, especially Sullivan County (my home county) and the state, which passed a Joint Resolution signed by Governor Lee during our first ever Legion Family Day on the Hill. In the memo accompanying the resolution and proclamation, I said that every Post in the Department should work together to ensure all 95 counties holds a meaningful Be The One Day, anytime between March and May.

The goal this year is to get ahead of the curve, and thanks to Department Adjutant Mike Griffin for sending the information mentioned above on the 28th, we're ahead of the curve. In fact, as of the 28th, we're 217 days ahead of schedule until March 1st. I made the resolution and proclamation simple, with a fill in the blanks. If we can get every county in the state to hold a meaningful Be The One Day, not just in name, but to have something real behind it, imagine the impact.

During this time, the state will also hold a Be The One Day,, which will coincide with our 2027 Legion Family Day on the Hill, just after our national Washington Conference in DC, which I urge everyone who can to participate.

With the paperwork 99% complete, the only thing Post leadership needs to do is to coordinate with their county commission and county Mayors to advocate for our Be The One mission and get their support.

“VOLS: Veterans Offering Lifelong Service”

Todd A. McKinley

Immediate Past Department Commander,

Special Projects Chairman &

Legislative Liaison TN-01

American Legion Department of Tennessee