100 Miles for Hope benefits health, good cause
Benjamin Holmes began the second annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge on its kickoff date April 1 with a 3-mile hike at Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego. Holmes’ six-year-old daughter accompanied him on “my second year participating in this terrific charitable activity!”
A member of American Legion Post 282 in La Mesa, Calif., Holmes joined the inaugural 100 Miles for Hope challenge last year to stay physically fit since he is still in the U.S. Navy Reserves. But even if he was not a reservist, Holmes said, “I’m still trying to be healthy in general, so this is a great opportunity and excuse to be healthy and also support a good cause at the same time. It’s more than just about myself.”
One hundred percent of proceeds from 100 Miles for Hope registrations and merchandise purchases go toward The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. The foundation provides American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance grants for military and American Legion families with children at home who are facing financial hardships, as well as provides funding to train American Legion service officers who provide free representation to veterans seeking assistance with benefits claims.
“Anything involving children definitely tugs at the heartstrings,” said Holmes, a father of two young children. “If I can do a little physical activity and benefit some kids is a wonderful dual outcome.”
The 2021 challenge runs through Sept. 6. Registration is $20. There are two options to register – through the Kilter app or American Legion Emblem Sales. Registration details are available here.
While Holmes is completing the challenge by jogging and speed walking, as well as hiking with his family, he was happy to see that the challenge was expanded to include more than 40 different activities that can be tracked through the Kilter app. And he was “excited” that the 100 Miles for Hope was renewed. “It reminds me to stay physically active and the funds go toward a really noble cause so it’s not a selfish endeavor really,” Holmes said. “It’s a great program.”
A Way To ‘Keep Your Focus’. Last year when the COVID-19 pandemic caused businesses to close and halt social gatherings, Vic Peterson joined the inaugural American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge.
“It was a way to keep your focus and keep your mind occupied after things shut down,” said Peterson, a retired Air Force veteran and Legionnaire in Buckeye, Ariz. “It was a good motivator.”
Peterson joined the second annual 100 Miles for Hope challenge that kicked off April 1. As an avid runner and walker, he has already reached the 100-mile goal but “I’m going to continue. I would like to get about 1,800 miles this year. If my health stays good.”
Everyday Peterson, 71, runs or walks in the morning and then takes his German shepherd for a walk a few hours later. He download the Kilter app to his phone to help track activities and keep him motivated.
The 100 Miles for Hope challenge is “something that motivates older people to keep going,” Peterson said. “I tell people all the time all you have to do is get out and do a slow walk, maybe do two blocks. It’s just to get started. I say once you get started you can increase your distance. As long as you’re doing something is the big thing.
“I’m glad The American Legion came up with this challenge; it’s really a good thing. So if I can motivate someone else to keep moving, I will.”