Official Biography

Ralph Tolan, Commander

The American Legion, Department of Indiana

2008-2009

            Ralph Tolan, a 37-year member of Speedway American Legion Post 500, was elected by acclamation to serve as 2008-2009 State Commander of the 120,000-member American Legion Department of Indiana during the closing session of the organization’s 90^th annual state Convention July 13, 2008, in Indianapolis.

            As commander of the state’s largest war-time veterans’ organization, Tolan will represent the Department of Indiana at public and private events, be the official spokesman for the organization, direct the administrative staff, and oversee the implementation of policies and programs established by the Department Executive Committee and Convention.

            Tolan is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a helicopter mechanic, crew chief and machine gunner in 1968-1969. Following his honorable discharge in 1971, Tolan returned to his hometown of Indianapolis and joined the Legion, beginning his long climb to Department Commander as the Post’s Sergeant-at-Arms, followed by stints as First Vice Commander and Post Commander, among others.

            He has served in almost every office available at the post, and is a past 11^th District Commander. He also served the District as Adjutant, and has been active in Department and National offices and activities for many years. Prior to his election as Department Commander, Tolan chaired all four permanent department commissions – Americanism, Children & Youth, Internal Affairs, and Rehabilitation – and served one term as Department Southern Vice Commander. He also has been either chairman or member of several committees, including Americanism and its many diverse programs and activities.

            Commander Tolan has also been recognized for his leadership skills by the National Organization, which he has served in a number of capacities, including a long-time member of the Americanism Commission and serving on several National Convention committees during conventions conducted in Indianapolis in 1991 and 1995.

            Tolan, who retired from Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly in 2005 after nearly 33 years of employment, is married to Chrissie, who he met while on active duty at Fort Benning, Georgia. They are the parents of two grown children and three grandchildren, all of whom are members of the American Legion Family.

            The new commander, in addition to his stated commitment to long-term growth for the Department of Indiana, has selected the remodeling of a full dorm at the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home at Knightstown, and Hoosier Boys State as his special projects for this year.

            During the year, he will encourage contributions to the home which, when matched with those raised by Department Auxiliary President Shirley Firkins, will enable students at the home to complete the remodeling project. He also will allocate unused funds and funds contributed specifically for the purpose, to HBS ‘scholarships’ for certain delegates who find themselves unfunded. The new commander has encouraged all Legion members, posts and groups to support these worthwhile efforts. He will conduct his year with the unofficial motto of “Soaring Together,” by which he indicates his dedication to mutual support, open communications, and teamwork.