Gene Toohey was elected State Commander of The American Legion Department of Texas on July 16, 2023, in Austin, TX at the 104th State Convention. His theme as State Commander is, “Membership is the Cornerstone to the Four Pillars of The American Legion.” Membership is the foundation of the organization. The foundation needs a cornerstone for the support functions to be built upon. The Four Pillars give us guidance and direction on how to serve our Veterans and the communities within the great state of Texas.

A member of Otho Morgan Post #17 of Greenville, Texas, he served in the United States Navy from 1979 until 2001. Fulfilling his childhood dream of traveling the world, he served sixteen years of sea duty aboard three Spruance Class Destroyers, USS Moosbrugger (DD-980) homeported in Charleston, SC, USS Elliot (DD-967) homeported in San Diego, CA, USS O’Bannon (DD-987) homeported in Charleston, SC and one Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) homeported out of San Diego, CA. He is also a member of The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) through the eligibility of his father, Don Toohey’s United States Air Force service during Korea who is also a Legionnaire and SAL member.

While serving in the U.S. Navy, Gene attained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Business Administration and a Masters of Arts in Organization Management and Business Management. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Gene was employed at Level (3) Communications in Broomfield, CO as a Program Manager of Network Migrations and Operations, Number Management, and Financial Analyst for Mergers and Acquisitions. After retiring from Level (3) Communications in 2010, Gene returned home to Greenville and has served The American Legion at the Post, District, Division and State level in numerous positions.

A father of two daughters and grandfather of four; Elisa Elkins married to David and daughter Daphne of Colorado, Sarah Collins married to Pat and daughters Ridley, Jaina and son Peter of Ohio. Gene is married to the love of his life and best friend Marie Brock-Toohey who is a talented and well respected history teacher and an American Legion Auxiliary member.