To Todd McKinley, State American Legion Commander:
Your vision statements, awards, and decoration certificates are impressive. I would like to thank you for your service. My question to you is: Have you ever worked in the private sector? Run a business or a non-profit? Your resume speaks volumes, but your lack of leadership, lack of empathy, name-calling, and unprofessionalism in this matter are, at best, terribly incompetent. You support an anti-bullying program and then proceed to call your fellow veterans liars, children, cowards, bad actors, and pathetic. Sir, I believe a formal apology is in order.
Dealing with a situation in business can be difficult, and if rules are broken, they should be dealt with promptly and appropriately. Removing individuals from leadership roles who have broken the rules is understandable and reasonable. Locking veterans and Honor Guard members out of their Legion home, making it impossible for them to do their jobs, is highly inappropriate.
Making statements like, “Post 95 is involved in criminal activity,” is misleading, deceptive, and devious. Have you ever spent time at Post 95 and observed these “so-called” operations taking place? Bingo and the mentioned “Ace of Diamonds,” a $2.00 raffle ticket buy-in, hardly constitute a criminal underground gambling ring.
I’d also like to respond to your statement, “Post 95 members were more active in gambling activities than community service.” I take offense to that.
The list is long but here are a few things Post 95 has done for the community, its members, and our veterans.
160 + funerals
Support the Needy Child Fund, East Ridge
Provide meals on wheels to members in need
Provide mobility devices for members and their families
Food basket drive
Coat drive
Toy drive
Flag presentation and disposal
Built ramps
Angel Tree
Support local women shelter
Planted trees at National Cemetery
Filled bags with books and yearly school supplies
Local school flag and veteran education
Family Day meals/events
Memorial Day meals/events
July 4th meals/events
Boy State/Girl State
Election poling center for East Ridge, Hamilton County, State and Federal
Armed Forces Day parade
Taken members to Dr. Office visits/ Hospital stays and watched their animals
Christmas parade
The American Legion Post 95 is a family. American Legions nationwide are part of that family, and we should be working together to provide the best possible services to our veterans. Post 95 provides a place where veterans can socialize with other veterans; several eat their one meal a day at the Post and consider it their home.
Mr. McKinley, this lockout doesn't feel much like a “gambling” citation closure. I certainly hope our veterans aren't paying the price for individuals vying for a higher position or power. I’m going to politely ask that you refrain from calling names, airing dirty laundry, and misleading the public. Let’s work together to make our veterans the highest priority.
Donna M. Lenz
Proud American Legion Post 95 Member