New American Legion State Commander Todd McKinley will stop in Cookeville Thursday night as part as the Department Commander’s Tour.
McKinley said the tour allows him to visit posts in all ten districts. The intent of the tour is for McKinley to lay out his vision and solicit support from American Legion members. McKinley said this is also a chance to interact with local members.
“To be involved as a commander, I think it says a lot,” McKinley said. “It lets people know that you care. It lets them know you’re listening to them and that their voice matters. And of course, going around to the posts, listening to what they have to say, very vital to the survival of our organization.”
McKinley’s stop at Cookeville American Legion Post #135 will be Thursday evening from 6pm to 9pm. McKinley said the event will provide the attendees to meet with him, as well as local American Legion leadership.
McKinley said the American Legion has a big role in representing veterans in local, state, and federal legislators. McKinley said the millions of American Legion members nationwide can impact the political sphere. McKinley said coming to Thursday’s event will offer a chance to talk to people who impact policy at different levels of government.
“[Legislators] want to hear what we have to say,” McKinley said. “There’s strength in numbers, and coming out and lending your voice to what I’m going to be lobbying at the State Legislature is important to have your voice heard. That way, whenever I go to Nashville to and talk to state legislators, be it the House or Senate, it’s going to be speaking from everyone’s voice, not just my own.”
McKinley said legislators are often far away and hard to reach, so he sees this as an opportunity to keep in touch with them about key veterans issues. He said it is important for representatives to see and hear from people they represent.
McKinley said he will share his goals of ending veteran suicide through awareness programs and classes. McKinley said another goal is helping members be healthier.
“Our National Commander has laid out a challenge called the USA 250 Challenge,” McKinley said. “Basically, it’s a way for us to get healthier physically and mentally through different types of classes and of course, physical fitness training and things of that nature.”
