Join our healthy journey to help others

Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends,

We are just over 100 days to go in the second annual 100 Miles for Hope. While the campaign, which benefits The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF), kicked off April 1, there is still plenty of time to participate.

Please visit this page to learn more about the two options to get started. It only costs $20 to register. And remember that all proceeds from registrations, merchandise sales at Emblem Sales (see options here) and donations go toward supporting the V&CF.

There are so many benefits to joining this challenge, among them:

- Giving a boost to your physical fitness. There are more than 40 activities on the app that can count toward your goal, so anyone can participate regardless of their physical condition. You can walk, swim, play pickleball, do yoga, walk your dog, volunteer or even choose the “other” category — which is perfect for activities like gardening or riding your motorcycle. 

- Improving your mental wellness. Last year when the pandemic caused businesses to close and halt social gatherings, Vic Peterson joined the inaugural challenge. “It was a way to keep your focus and keep your mind occupied after things shut down,” says Peterson, a retired Air Force veteran and Legionnaire in Buckeye, Ariz. “It was a good motivator.”

- Supporting our disabled veterans and military families. Proceeds from this program go directly to the foundation. In turn, the foundation provides necessary training and resources for accredited American Legion service officers who provide free services to all veterans who need assistance securing their VA benefits. Additionally, the V&CF funds grants through Temporary Financial Assistance that help military families with minor children at home that are facing financial distress.

I am so impressed with the 10 participants who have perfect scores, completing the maximum number of activities each day. Among them is Jonathan Tennis, an Army veteran and member of American Legion Post 7 in Clearwater, Fla. Tennis does activities like biking and walking his dog as ways to improve his fitness. 

“I really hope The American Legion keeps this going every year,” he says. “Great way to raise awareness of veteran causes and get people moving.” 

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Hope to see everyone out there, with sound bodies and minds, doing what we do best: supporting America’s veterans and military families. After all, everything The American Legion does is our way of … Veterans Strengthening America.