‘I wore out a pair of walking shoes … for a good cause’
Chriss R. Moen, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant second vice commander of American Legion Post 15 in Kent, Wash., “walked the walk for the second time in two years” by participating in the second annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge “because helping support the Veterans and Children Foundation is one of the best charities I can think to give to,” he said.
The challenge, which concludes Sept. 6, supports The American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation that provides Temporary Financial Assistance grants to eligible active-duty servicemembers and American Legion members with minor children in the home, and supports more than 3,000 accredited American Legion service officers who provide free assistance to veterans and their families applying for VA benefits. All proceeds from 100 Miles for Hope donations, registrations and merchandise purchases at Emblem Sales go directly to the V&CF.
“Being a military retiree and disabled veteran myself, I have never forgotten the price of freedom and sacrifices paid for by our disabled veterans, our military members, their families and all my/ our/your military veteran brothers and sisters when they may have fallen on financial hardships,” Moen said. Financial hardship “can happen to anybody and when it happens to one of my/your/our own, we should step up to the plate and try too to give a helping hand no matter how much or what you can give.
“It’s what Legionnaires do.”
For both the 2020 and 2021 100 Miles for Hope challenge, Moen walked 283 miles with his Australian cattle sheep dog, Chip, logging about two to five miles a day.
“Being cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic was closing in every day so this got me out of the house, on the trails and in fresh air, and losing a couple of pounds always helps also (it’s just what my doctor ordered). Chip is turning 15 years old now and he is slowing down a little bit these last couple of years, but he was there every day waiting to go and he really motivated me. He is my best friend and faithful companion. Chip inspired me quite a bit and he never complained.”
For his support of the V&CF and completing the challenge, Moen received his 100 Miles for Hope certificate of completion and medal.
“I wore out one pair of walking/running shoes, but that is OK because it was for a good cause,” Moen said. “The Veterans and Children Foundation is my good cause (veterans, children, families) and for the price of a few dollars and a pair of walking/running shoes, it is well worth it. Helping and taking care of my/your/our own during hard times says it all. Again, it’s what we do.”
Participant 100 Miles for Hope medals
• For participants who signed up after June 15, your medals are being created and will be shipped on or about Sept. 1 to the address you provided.
• For participants who signed up before June 15, you should have already received your medal. If you haven't received it, please email magazine@legion.org with the following information: your full name, mailing address, approximate registration date and whether you signed up via Kilter or Emblem Sales.