What happened in Ohio?

In this week’s episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast, the hosts explore the quick action by The American Legion Department of Ohio following the rogue action of two members who tried to silence a speaker at a Memorial Day event.

During retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter’s Memorial Day speech in Hudson, Ohio, the microphone was cut by two members of American Legion Post 464 when he shared a story about freed Black slaves who honored deceased soldiers after the Civil War. (Find Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter’s full speech here.)

After an investigation, the Department of Ohio took action against the two members and suspended the charter of the post. You can read the details here and here

“It was amazing to see The American Legion move with quickness and decisiveness,” co-host Jeff Daly says on the podcast.

The incident was reported by international news organizations such as USA Today and the Guardian, as well as military publications like Task & Purpose.

Co-host Mark Seavey was quick to point out the leadership by Department Adjutant Suzette Heller whose actions changed the conversation in the media.

“She acted quickly and forcefully,” Seavey said, noting that on Memorial Day, “there were so many great things other posts were doing. When I first saw this, it made me sick to my stomach.”  

Download and listen to the new episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or view it on YouTube. All of the more than 50 episodes are available on the podcast webpage.