Leon McGhee refers to himself as a “promoter of patriotism.” In that regard, he does a lot of public speaking at schools and patriotic events. Indeed, McGhee was the one who dedicated the American flag at Tanger Outlet some years back, joining U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner as speakers on that occasion.

“If you cut me, I bleed red, white and blue,” McGhee said. “My veterans, my church, my wife — those are my priorities.”

Patriotism as a passion of McGhee’s is reflected in his service at Post 99, where he has been a member for 25 years.

At present, McGhee is chairman of the Post’s executive committee. In that capacity he helps handle all the major finances of the Post, including its investments. McGhee is a past junior vice commander and commander at Post 99 and past chaplain and commander for the American Legion’s 33rd District. He is also commander for Disabled American Veterans Unit 6 in Foley.

McGhee said he had never been out of Alabama when he joined the Navy a month before he turned 18 years of age. That changed in a hurry as he went to boot camp in California and then to such places as Japan and the Philippines. He eventually became a door gunner on a helicopter aboard the USS Hornet. He did two tours in Vietnam as a door gunner. His personal and military experience in Vietnam then serves as a basis for his membership and service at Post 99 today.

“I remember when I came home the Vietnam veterans were not welcomed. I determined I would never allow this to happen again. My purpose is to try and encourage other veterans to reach out and help veterans who are coming home.”

Along with his goal of helping fellow veterans, McGhee wants to change the thinking process as well. It isn’t about being veterans from a state such as Alabama, he said. “We are veterans of the United States of America.”

McGhee took part in the first Honor Flight, going with three veterans World War II to Washington, D.C., to see the World War II Memorial. He also encouraged those veterans to set their stories down in writing for posterity.

After completing his military service, McGhee came back to this area and started his own business. McGhee’s Wholesale Co. provided beach supplies to beach resorts all along this area of the Gulf. McGhee sold the business six years ago but stayed on to do overseas buying for the company. Today, he has completely retired. His time is spent  doing hospital ministry for veterans and for Crossway Christian Fellowship Church in Foley.

McGhee came to Foley in 1975. He is originally from Atmore.

“My pride is that I’m a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians,” he said, noting that his uncle was the first chief of the Poarch Creek.

McGhee has been married for eight years to Eve Joy McGhee, who works at Thomas Hospital.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization dedicated to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

Those interested in joining Post 99 or getting more information about the American Legion should contact Post 99 at 251-943-3114 or Post Commander Harold Bryson at 251-989-2485.