South Dakota commander walking 250 miles before department convention

Department Commander Kevin Hempel is less than 100 miles away from his June goal. 

American Legion Department of South Dakota Commander Kevin Hempel is leading by example with the Legion’s USA 250 Challenge. He has walked over 150 miles with a goal to complete 250 miles by the department’s convention in June. 

Hempel recently shared his USA 250 Challenge journey on the Department of South Dakota’s Facebook page and asked others to share theirs as well. 

How is your America 250 Challenge going? I thought I would give a quick update on mine. My challenge is to walk 250 miles before our department convention in June. As of this morning I have walked 151 miles. I am sure I will make my goal but did realize I need to push a little more. Are you going to make yours?

One person responded that they did 250 hours of crocheting gifts. And he said the department’s Americanism officer, Carol Howitz, is riding her stationary bike for 250 miles. 

The weather in South Dakota has been challenging to walk outside as snow arrived recently with more to come. So Hempel has walked most of his miles on a track at a wellness center and on a treadmill in his home. And once the Department of South Dakota’s convention arrives, he will share the end results of his journey with Legion Family members 

“The 250^th anniversary of our nation is a significant step forward,” Hempel said. “And showing patriotism to support our country I think is the right thing to do.” 

Ready to participate in The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge? The challenge encourages participants to engage in one or more of the three categories – fitness, mental health and community service – by logging 250 miles or hours by July 4, 2026. Learn more here and register for $30 which benefits The American Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation. And see how you can be part of the challenge to raise $150,000 for VCF.

And share with us how you are participating in the USA 250 Challenge. You can share under USA 250 Challenge on Legiontown.org. Or email magazine@legion.org. When you share your story, please include: a photo of you in your challenge shirt, why you chose to sign up for the challenge, and how you are taking part in it.