Will you step up?

Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends,

I have been so inspired by how American Legion Family members and friends have responded to the second annual 100 Miles for Hope. They have embraced physical activities, shared their successes and helped drive donations to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

Here’s a sampling of how posts and members have risen to the challenge: An American Legion post in Virginia has turned the challenge into a regular family event. Many Post 1703 members exercise at least a half hour each day. But the members also bring their kids to a monthly meetup to walk, bike or run for 30 minutes.

American Legion member Chris McMartin created his own “land, sea and air challenge.” He ran 100 miles, biked 1,000 miles, swam 10 miles, flew a plane for 1,000 miles and scuba dove for 100 minutes.

Bob Fitzgerald has walked more than 200 miles at a 16 ½-minute pace — excellent for an 83-year-old. The retired Air Force master sergeant has also raised roughly $1,300 thus far, easily eclipsing his initial goal of $1,000.  We launched this year’s campaign April 1 with the goal of doubling the amount of donations from the first event to support the V&CF. Right now, we are close but need your support to ensure we reach our goal by the campaign’s conclusion, Sept. 6. 

Here are some ways that you can help us achieve the goal: For those of you attending national convention, you can participate in a fun scavenger hunt, called 100 Points for Hope. Complete a few easy tasks and you will receive credit for a free 100 Miles for Hope item at the Emblem Sales store. All the details can be found here.

The special Riders challenge also continues through Labor Day. It is open to Riders chapters and individual members. There are tier levels for riding and collecting donations for both chapters and individuals. Every qualifying chapter or member will receive an award, based on the highest tier level they reach.

You don’t need to walk, ride a bike or a motorcycle to help support disabled veterans and military families facing financial distress. A kind contribution to the Veterans & Children Foundation will support the mission. 

Visit The American Legion’s Emblem Sales website to purchase commemorative 100 Miles for Hope gear before all the items sell out.

Remember that all proceeds from registrations, merchandise sales at Emblem Sales and donations go toward supporting the V&CF.

Thank you for all that you do to ensure that The American Legion demonstrates how we truly are …

Veterans Strengthening America.

James W. “Bill” Oxford, National Commander