Are you with me?

Have you started your 100-mile journey? I have been walking and biking since I kicked off the 100 Miles of Hope on Aug. 3 – exactly 100 days from when the virtual challenge ends on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Whether you walk, run, cycle, ride your motorcycle, swim, or whatever fitness activity you love to do, I hope you join me in completing 100 miles to raise awareness of our American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation.

Your support of the foundation is helping to train The American Legion’s 3,000 accredited service officers who assist our veterans and their families with benefits claims, and other needs, all free of charge. Your donations to the fund also support The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program, which provides immediate financial grants to military families with minor children in the home who are facing a hardship.

Many of you have been sharing your 100 Miles of Hope story on legiontown.org. I have enjoyed reading about your hiking adventures on the Pacific Coast Trail, cycling part of the old U.S. Route 66, walking on the beach, and more. Keep the stories – and miles – coming!

Now, I ask, are you with me for 100 Miles for Hope?

If you haven’t already registered, registration fee is $30. Visit www.legion.org/100miles to register and read about the 100 Miles for Hope campaign, how to start your 100 miles and how the foundation supports our veterans and children. As a participant, you will receive a shirt (men, women’s and children sizes available) and a sign, as well as a link to download and print a certificate of completion.

Your participation in the 100 Miles for Hope campaign not only is an incentive to get some exercise, but also help continue what we do for our nation’s veterans, military families and youth. So join me.