Putting Be the One first

American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, Va., celebrated the nation’s birthday while conducting outreach to support those who swore to protect our nation with their lives.

More than 35 American Legion Family members and community supporters participated in the post’s third annual Celebrate America 5K, which was combined with The American Legion Be the One initiative. The July 1 run-walk event was among the initial post events held on the first of the month, intended to be a specific day to raise awareness in communities throughout the nation, per Resolution 13, approved by the National Executive Committee.

The Be the One initiative’s goal is to reduce the rate of veteran suicide by raising awareness about the issue, empowering everyone to take appropriate action, and connecting veterans with fitness and wellness opportunities. American Legion National Commander Vincent “James” Troiola has made the initiative a priority, encouraging posts and members to find ways to raise awareness in whatever way fits best in their communities.

“Fitness and wellness go hand-in-hand with the Be the One campaign,” Post 180 First Vice Commander Dave Wallace said. “Be the One to listen. Be the One to reach out. Be the One to stop one veteran from committing suicide. Having the wellness side has been proven to be the key factor in an individual’s mindset. So having this event just made sense.”

Past National Commander Dan Dellinger was among the participants.

“Post 180 has taken to heart the program by National Commander Troiola,” he said. “Be the One is very important to help stop veterans suicides. If you see something or hear something, say something.

Dellinger noted the post is aiming to bang a continuous drumbeat of spreading the word throughout the community.

“We have a large veterans community here,” he explained. “We are going to try to do something on the first Saturday of every month to promote (Be the One.) We are going to try to continue to do this as much as possible. 

After all, Dellinger concluded, Be the One drives toward the heart of The American Legion’s dedication to helping fellow veterans. 

“Every servicemember had a battle buddy. We stood beside them in battle. We need to make sure we stand beside them today.” 

Post member Mike Paruti organized the 5K, which started and ended at the post. Participants received information packets about the Be the One, which was also highlighted on the keepsake T-shirt. (Visit, access and download promotional materials at the Be the One resources page.)

“Be the One is, of course, a very special message,” said Paruti, noting that this year’s 5K is the first held since 2019. “It’s very special that we rebirth this event with the Be the One message. Hopefully they take away that message and understand how easy it is to Be the One. If you see any signs of where the message might apply, act on it.”

Paruti was pleased with the turnout.

“It was great to have everyone come out, a mix of young, old, fast, slow, veterans, non-veterans. Everyone supports the military, which is great. But it’s great to know that there are so many people who support our military, The American Legion and our post in this community.”

Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert was among Legion Family members and others from the community who walked the 5K. 

“I love to support The American Legion and whatever event they are doing, and I love to be here and support them,” she said. “I’m all about being healthy and doing things to support our town. I also love seeing people here being so patriotic.”

Post 180 is the service organization with the longest tenure in its town, Wallace said. That dedication to community is seen in its various community events not just for the Fourth of July but throughout the year. 

“This also allows us to show how we educate the children, our different programs that can reach out to them with Boys State, Junior Law Cadet program and others, and remind everyone who we are and what we can bring to the community,” he explained.