Join me on a Walk for Veterans

During my travels to American Legion departments, I want to walk to raise awareness about veterans and the Legion’s positive impact on communities nationwide. And I’m asking you, the Legion Family, to join me by conducting an awareness Walk for Veterans.

I want you to tell your story when walking about why you joined The American Legion and why you stay a member in The American Legion. The awareness walks are also a way to walk for those who marched for us. I strongly believe that we should walk not for ourselves but for those who have marched before us. In war or peace, America’s veterans have repeatedly sacrificed for our freedom. These awareness walks are the least that we can do for them.

I have already participated in an awareness walk in Manchester, N.H., and in Kansas City, Mo. And both times the Legion Family presence was strong, and we made our voices heard in the community.

The walks can coincide with my visit to your department, but I also encourage departments to conduct them even if I’m not visiting. The walks can be any distance and should include Legion Family members, Legion youth program participants, Boy Scouts, high school JROTC units, community leaders and anyone else interested in helping bring Legion visibility to communities. Additionally, the walks can:

Promote and raise funds for Legion charities, such as National Emergency Fund (the fundraiser for my term as commander), Operation Comfort Warriors and Legacy Scholarship Fund.
Remind employers that the best way to thank a veteran is to hire them.
Showcase the Legion’s premiere youth programs, such as Boys Nation and Legion Baseball.

Find a list of upcoming walks online at www.legion.org/walkforveterans. National Headquarters staff can assist in planning and promoting a Walk for Veterans event. For more information, contact Matt Herndon, deputy director of the Legion's Membership Division, by email at mherndon@legion.org or phone at (317) 630-1406.