New Be the One PSA to debut during Indy 500

A new public service announcement promoting The American Legion’s Be the One veteran suicide prevention program will make its debut this weekend in front of millions of racing fans throughout the world.

The PSA, which is a collaboration between The American Legion and Wellcare, will make its official debut during Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, which will be broadcast across the globe via television, and satellite and terrestrial radio.

The video features Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, a U.S. Army Green Beret veteran who now serves as the CEO and president of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Rodriguez was a 2022 guest on the Legion’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast and spent 21 years in the Army, deploying 10 times.

In the PSA, Rodriguez asks viewers to, “Be the one willing to ask, guess wrong, even offend another to keep them safe. To remind them that they are valuable. If you know a veteran, be the one to reach out and make them a part of your life.”

American Legion Family members are encouraged to share the PSA via either YouTube  and Vimeo. The PSA can be used to promote local Be the One events, as well as the Indianapolis 500, which will feature Chip Ganassi Racing’s Linus Lundqvist driving the No. 8 American Legion Honda with Be the One messaging on its livery.

To learn more about The American Legion’s Be the One program, click here.