Weekly Report 🎖️
TikTok Ban | TVLC | MOAA | American Legion
Why the Federal Government banned TikTok.
Before you cry “First Amendment” or “Free Speech,” let me explain why TikTok had to go. As a cybersecurity professional, I’ve put together a short story to illustrate why TikTok was so damaging to our national security—without the technical jargon that most people might find difficult to understand.
Imagine you’re throwing a house party. Everyone you invite seems normal enough—people bring snacks, chat, and mingle. Then this guy named TikTok shows up. At first glance, he’s charming and entertaining. He’s cracking jokes, showing off cool dance moves, and sharing the latest gossip from across the neighborhood. You think, “This guy is fun—let’s let him in.”
But as soon as TikTok steps through the door, things start getting… weird.
First, he starts wandering off, opening doors to rooms he wasn’t invited into. He peeks into your bedroom, your bathroom, and even your closet. He doesn’t seem to care if a room is private—he just barges in, taking mental notes of everything he sees.
Then, TikTok casually starts frisking people at the party. “What’s in your pockets?” he asks, digging through wallets and pulling out receipts, credit cards, and even random things like gum wrappers. He doesn’t stop there—he rifles through purses, reads text messages over people’s shoulders, and memorizes PIN codes while people are checking their bank apps.
When someone confronts him, TikTok shrugs and says, “Relax, I just need this info to help the party vibe. Trust me, it’s for you!” And strangely, people let it slide because he’s so entertaining. But behind the scenes, TikTok is quietly jotting down everyone’s private details—what they like, who they talk to, where they came from, and even how long they’re staying.
Meanwhile, TikTok starts texting someone outside the party, sharing updates about what’s happening inside. “Oh, this guy keeps his keys in his left pocket. That girl likes chocolate cake. By the way, their Wi-Fi password is written on a sticky note in the kitchen.” No one knows exactly who he’s texting, but it’s unsettling.
Finally, TikTok announces, “Hey, I’m just here to make this party better! Look, I’ll show you more dances and memes—don’t worry about all that other stuff!” And somehow, people are distracted enough to keep letting him stay.
TikTok may have been free, but it came at the cost of our national security.
In my opinion, TikTok is the most advanced espionage tool ever developed. TikTok was a Trojan horse and it gave the Chinese Communist Party critical pieces of data about our military and our infrastructure. Think about it. It is so bad that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law which banned it.
I feel for those who built their livelihoods on that application. They spent countless hours creating content and making the world a better place. However, we cannot allow holes in our national security. Content creators will find another platform and China will have to get their intel elsewhere.
Greetings
Thursday’s Legal Clinic included a team of 15 of us, including4 attys, assisting 18 Veterans plus several family members (we need more attorneys volunteering at the clinic, since referrals to other offices are not easy and delay Veterans’ getting answers and the expertise they need). Kudos to new volunteers again this week!
More Vets called in again this week or responded online from around the state, and we instructed them to come to Thursday Clinics or, if outside Leon or the State, to look for local Veteran services. Thanks toSusie C., Wayne Sprague, and Nolan Wilson for helping respond this week (Veterans in prison, NW Fl, etc.). And thanks to Khalid Shafi and Margaret Deciano for the volunteer administrative work at the computer/files table with Susiethroughout our Clinic sessions.
Today’s Food Distribution event was organized by Khalid and Susie, with Margaret lending us her truck for the bi-county trip. Veteran Harris Gilley also joined in sharing the various food items on site at Homefront and Veterans Village.
This month, the American Legion, Department of Florida is honored to receive 15 SpinLife mobility scooters, generously donated by Jack Kump and his wife, Joan Wheeler. Once again, they have entrusted our department with identifying and awarding these scooters to deserving veterans on their behalf.
We are planning a special distribution event at our Headquarters in Orlando on January 30th at 11:00 AM, where we aim to provide as many scooters as possible directly to veterans. Joining us for this event will be Mr. Kump, Ms. Wheeler, and representatives from SpinLife, along with invited local media to help share this inspiring story of generosity and support. If you would like to attend the event, we kindly ask that you RSVP so we can ensure proper accommodations are in place.
We encourage these veteran recipients to attend the event and personally receive their scooters in the presence of SpinLife, Mr. Kump, and Ms. Wheeler. Recipients will be selected based on the criteria listed below and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you know a veteran in need who meets the requirements, please contact Jennifer Cooper by Thursday, January 23rd, to have them added to our list.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a Florida resident
Provide proof of military service
Be able to arrange pickup of the scooter at Department Headquarters in Orlando, Florida
Submit a written explanation of need
About the Scooter:
Model: Spitfire Pro SE 4W Portable by Drive Medical
Weight: 111 lbs
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Top Speed: 5.00 mph
Drive Range: 15.00 miles
On behalf of all Florida veterans, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jack and Joan for their extraordinary compassion and kindness. Their continued support embodies the spirit of care and generosity we strive to provide to our veterans every day.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you!
Jennifer Cooper
Fundraising Director
407.295.2631 x222
Good day, MOAA Family! I hope this finds you well and enjoying the new year.
Please mark your calendars with our dinner and corresponding RSVP dates.
Monday, February 10 - Valentines Dinner and Social - RSVP by Saturday, February 1, by return email or call or text to 850-212-7009
Monday, April 21 - Speaker - RSVP by Saturday, April 12
Monday, June 16 - Speaker - RSVP by Saturday, June 7
Monday, September 15 - Speaker - RSVP by Saturday, September 6
Friday, December 5 - Holiday Social - RSVP by Tuesday, November 25
We are kicking off our 2025 Membership drive at the February dinner. I hope you will join or renew your membership with us again this year. We offer annual memberships for $25 and lifetime memberships for $200. Surviving Spouse memberships are $10. The Chapter will comp the first year of membership for first time, new members. The application form is attached, please fill it out and mail it to us (PO Box 4038, Tallahassee, FL 32315) or bring your completed form to the February dinner. MOAA National is in the final stages of deploying an online renewal option, but it may not be fully available by then. Once it is, we'll initially use it for chapter dues but it will be expanded to include dinner RSVPs as the platform matures.
For those with interest, please see the attached Red Cross flyer on an Introduction to International Humanitarian Law being provided on January 27th.
I look forward to seeing you at the February dinner, don't forget to RSVP!
Cheryl Walters
President
