5 ways 100 Miles for Hope supports veterans

In its three years of existence, The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope has a track record of success. (Sign up now at the 100 Miles for Hope web page to get started.)

More than a half million dollars have been raised for The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). Thousands of veterans, family members and friends have committed to wellness activities. Participants have shed weight, stopped smoking and made other healthy adaptations.

There is plenty of time to join the third annual challenge and still complete 100 miles by walking, cycling, running, canoeing, swimming or any other means you choose. The campaign extends through Labor Day, meaning that if you sign up today, you will need to average less than a mile per day to reach 100 miles.

Here are five ways 100 Miles for Hope benefits participants, veterans, servicemembers and their families:

1.     Walking improves fitness: While there are many ways to complete your 100-mile journey, most participants walk some or all of the miles. Experts agree that walking boosts your health, no matter your age or fitness level.

2.     Generating resources for service officers: All proceeds from the campaign go toward the foundation. Those funds provide education, resources and other necessary items for The American Legion’s 3,000 accredited service officers. In turn, they provide free assistance to veterans and their families, often helping them receive the benefits they earned through their service. During the first 100 miles challenge, South Dakota Department Service Officer Courtney VanZanten wrote about how the campaign inspired her and helped her assist more veterans.

3.     Providing grants for military families: Temporary Financial Assistance grants (TFA) are created via the V&CF. These grants are a safety net for military families with young children at home who are facing financial distress through no fault of their own.

4.     Boosting mental wellness: For participants, the physical benefits also bring about mental clarity and reduce stress. Studies show those who exercise regularly experience lower levels of anxiety and depression than those who do not. That was among the key takeaways in a story by American Legion member and fitness expert Jennifer Campbell.

5.     Engaging your community: Whether you are defining community as members of your post, or the general community, the challenge can create camaraderie, fundraising potential and more. American Legion Family members have used 100 Miles for Hope as a way to do something fun together, raise donations for the foundation and involve other community members. American Legion Riders chapters have also created special rides while participating in the 100 Miles for Hope. These are examples where members can also support their department in the Department Challenge while Riders members and chapters can reach incentives in the special Riders challenge.