Oregon Legion Family members take part in challenge walk with INDYCAR driver Graham Rahal ahead of Portland Grand Prix.
The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge was on display again over the weekend – and along with it, an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver who is no stranger to the challenge.
Ahead of INDYCAR’s BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, members of the Oregon American Legion Family took part in a USA Challenge 250 walk along the 1.96-mile Portland International Raceway. Walking with them was Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Graham Rahal, who took part in a similar walk earlier this summer at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington prior to the Honda INDY 200.
Legion Family members were able to chat with Rahal – who would go on to finish fourth in the Grand Prix after starting 22nd – as well as INDYCAR Race Director Kyle Novak. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shared the walk on its various social media channels, including Facebook.
The USA 250 Challenge encourages American Legion Family members, other veterans and all Americans to participate through three categories — fitness, mental wellness and community service — in order to engage more American Legion Family members and others to participate as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
That’s why 24-year Legionnaire Gary Baldwin, commander of American Legion Post 158 in Tigar, wanted to participate. “I am a part of this because I believe in The American Legion and what we can do for our community through this awareness via the USA 250 Challenge,” he said.
Two members of American Legion Post 104 in Aloha, Paul Johnson and Stan Pfeifer, also took part in the walk. Johnson said he came to the track “to show my support for the sport and just have a good time with some friends, and some brothers- and sisters-in arms.”
Pfeifer, a 41-year member of the organization, summed his participation up in just a few words: “I love the American flag, and I love The American Legion. We help people.”
Do you have questions about the USA 250 Challenge? Check out our FAQs here. And remember to share your own challenge stories on legiontown.org and via social media using the hashtag #USA250Challenge.
- USA250 Challenge