Top fundraising departments in six categories will receive special plaques at national convention from National Commander Wiley.
Six departments claimed victory in The American Legion’s fundraising competition, which was part of the USA 250 Challenge, which concluded on July 4.
Departments were broken up into six categories, based on membership size. The winning departments in each category are Indiana, California, Tennessee, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Rhode Island.
The top seven individual fundraisers were led by 2025-2026 Indiana Department Commander Ron Patterson, who raised $22,137. The next top fundraisers were Frank Burks, Chris Yates, Jim Mulvey, Gilbert San Roman, Jesse Limanek and Mitchell Keil.
Limanek and Keil helped propel the Department of Massachusetts from third to first in its category, thanks to $2,800 in donations over three days in mid-June during a special 250-mile continuous walk throughout the state.
Each of the six winning departments will receive special recognition from American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley. He will present plaques on stage at national convention to the winning departments.
All fundraising for the 250 Challenge benefitted the Veterans & Children Foundation, which supports disabled veterans and military families facing financial burdens.
- USA250 Challenge