In the final turn
Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
As my year as national commander winds down, it dawns on me how quickly time passes. It’s been a year of tremendous successes for The American Legion. I’ll address those in the coming weeks. But they are all because of your efforts to support our great organization.
The middle of August also signifies the conclusion of the third annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope. This fitness-based wellness and fundraising initiative has helped thousands of our American Legion Family members and friends improve their health while driving donations to support the Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).
To borrow a phrase from our INDYCAR partners, we are heading into the final turn. But there is still time to make a difference. Here are some reminders of the benefits of your participation:
• At least 30 minutes a day of physical activity helps prolong your life and stave off diseases. It also improves your mental wellbeing.
• All funds raised through the 100 Miles for Hope campaign benefit disabled veterans and military families in financial distress, through the V&CF.
• You can support your department in the department fundraising challenge. Each department was placed in a group of others that are similar in size. The top department in each of the six categories will receive a plaque from the national commander.
• Our most prolific fundraiser will receive the top incentive: four tickets to any INDYCAR race of their choice in 2023. (This covers just the tickets. Travel and accommodations are on your own.)
• Donations raised through Sept. 5 will be counted toward our final monthly fundraising champion. Whoever raises the highest donation total will receive an INDYCAR helmet signed by all three American Legion INDYCAR drivers.
Please note that any donations mailed in must be received by Sept. 5 and clearly indicate that they should be counted among your donation tally.
Thank you for all you have done to support The American Legion, the 100 Miles for Hope challenge, and our other programs that support veterans, servicemembers, their families and the communities in which they live.
That is why The American Legion is known as …
Veterans Strengthening America.
Paul E. Dillard
National Commander
The American Legion