Awareness walks hitting their stride

Nearly midway through his year as American Legion national commander, Dale Barnett has participated in 18 Walk for Veterans events in 14 different states.

“From walking across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., to engaging with Star Wars characters on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, every walk has been remarkably unique,” Barnett said of the walks that have included Legionnaires as well as members of the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion.

In fact, the walk in Boise, Idaho, made quite an impression on 10-year-old SAL member Travis Bentley. “It’s interesting to talk to the veterans and learn about the wars,” Bentley said. “I’ve done some research about weapons that were used in the Vietnam War, but this makes me want to search deeper into it.”

That, in a nutshell, is one of the primary goals of the walks – engaging the community and increasing awareness of veterans. Another goal is to raise money for Barnett’s primary fundraising project, the National Emergency Fund (NEF), which provides grants to Legion Family members and posts in the immediate aftermath of a tornado, flood or other natural disaster.

Barnett appreciates the efforts of those who have participated in walks and looks forward to additional walks this spring and summer. “There simply is no stopping committed Legion Family members from participating in a good cause,” he said.

It is also not required for the commander to be in attendance for an awareness walk to be conducted. Departments, posts, units and/or squadrons can host their own events. Those interested in hosting a walk, should contact the Legion’s membership division at (317) 630-1406 or email Matt Herndon at mherndon@legion.org.

Upcoming walks are listed at www.legion.org/walkforveterans.