Commander Schmidt to continue awareness walks
American Legion Department of Wisconsin conducted a Walk for Veterans on July 16. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion

Commander Schmidt to continue awareness walks

American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt is carrying on an impactful initiative of immediate Past National Commander Dale Barnett – awareness Walk for Veterans.

The walks will continue to be an opportunity to raise awareness about veterans issues, highlight the Legion's impact on communities nationwide and for Legion family members to tell their story of why they joined the organization.

Schmidt encourages departments to carry forward the opportunity to "walk for those who marched for us" by hosting a Walk for Veterans. The walks can coincide with Schmidt's visits to departments, but departments are encouraged to conduct them even if the commander is not visiting. The walks can be any distance and should include Legion family members, Legion youth program participants, Boys Scouts, high school JROTC units, community leaders and anyone else interested in helping bring Legion visibility to communities.

Additionally, the walks can:

  • Bring attention to the many great services the Legion provides, such as advocacy for veterans benefits, job fairs and family support through Temporary Financial Assistance (Schmidt's goal during his tenure is to raise $1 million for TFA and Legion service officer training).
  • Remind employers that the best way to thank a veteran for his or her service is to hire them.
  • Highlight the Four Pillars of the Legion.
  • Showcase the Legion's many premiere youth programs, such as Boys State, Boys Nation, Oratorical Contest and Legion Baseball.
  • Bring attention to veterans who served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Several American Legion departments have shown interest in conducting an awareness walk, with one finalized in Connecticut on Oct. 5. The 2.1-mile walk will get underway at 9 a.m. at Post 112, 89 Pink Row in Uncasville, Conn. Registration is encouraged; fee is $20 and donations will benefit the Legion's National Emergency Fund. Send payment and T-shirt size to Department of Connecticut headquarters at 287 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

National Headquarters staff can assist in planning and promoting a Walk for Veterans. Contact Matt Herndon, deputy director of the Legion's Membership Division, at mherndon@legion.org or (317) 630-1406.

A Walk for Veterans flag banner and table cloths may be available for temporary use during an event. T-shirts with the Walk for Veterans logo can also be purchased.