Minnesota department adjutant’s Legion videos go viral

Minnesota department adjutant’s Legion videos go viral

American Legion Department of Minnesota Adjutant Randy Tesdahl has an entertaining personality in front of the camera and is using it to promote the Legion and his favorite hobbies, fishing and hunting.

While wearing Legion apparel, Tesdahl records videos of himself discussing Legion-specific topics such as the benefits of Legion membership and the Operation Comfort Warriors program. He also records messages that promote local membership events and local Legion-sponsored fishing and hunting trips. He then posts the videos to his personal Facebook page and the department's, as well as on YouTube. Watch a few of his videos here and here.

The videos have gone viral, causing locals in his hometown of Elk River to recognize him in stores and restaurants and inquire more about the Legion. They too have increased Tesdahl’s number of Facebook friend requests.

“I’m always friending more and more people on Facebook, even if I don’t know who they are; that way the Legion’s message gets out,” said Tesdahl, whose ability to “ham it up” in front of the camera dates back to his days performing in a Marine Corps variety group. “Anybody can do this; all you need is a cell phone.”

Tesdahl uses his cell phone or iPad to record the videos, which he keeps brief and films in a variety of locations, such as in his office at department headquarters, in his home and on his fishing boat. He tapes notes to the wall to remind him of the overall message he’s delivering and to stay on track. When it comes time for editing the video, Tesdahl deletes the scenes of him turning the recording device on and off.

Tesdahl also uses the same tagline in all of his videos. In the beginning he says, “Hey everybody, how are you doing? This is Randy, I hope you’re having a great day. I am.” And he ends by saying, “Whether you’re on the water or in the woods or on the highways and byways of our great nation, be safe while you’re out there.”

“All departments can have someone talk about what they are doing in their department,” he said. “Just make (the video) relevant to whatever the event is. If you’re doing a membership rally, wear a Legion shirt and talk about the benefits of Legion membership.

“The videos are fun, and it’s easy and a free way to promote the Legion.”