Our mission is to support our comrades

Our mission is to support our comrades

Dear American Legion Family and Friends,

When duty calls, we respond.

As children, we learned the value of helping those in need. During our service, we learned what it means to give of ourselves to greater causes. As American Legion members, we continue to put service before self to support our fellow veterans, servicemembers and their families.

That’s the beauty of our American Legion programs, including 100 Miles for Hope. The third annual event is underway, and you can register here. We’re asking you to walk, cycle, ride your motorcycle, kayak, ruck, run or cover 100 miles any way you choose between now and Labor Day, Sept. 5. (Note: We are not using the Kilter app this year.)

While you are improving your physical fitness and mental well-being, you are also helping support The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation, which provides financial grants to struggling military families and funds services that are free for disabled veterans.

This year, I am asking for your support to help even more disabled veterans and families facing financial hurdles. That’s why I’ve set this year’s goal for 100 Miles for Hope at $450,000. Here are some ways that you can help us bring comfort to even more of our brothers and sisters:

1.     Sign up for the 100 miles challenge at Emblem Sales. For your $30 registration fee, you will receive a commemorative shirt, certificate of accomplishment to download upon completion and the gratitude of our veterans and military families who need our support.

2.     Ask family members and friends to support your mission. There is a lot of great information on this web page about how to use our fundraising tool. There also are rewards for the top fundraisers, including a monthly incentive for whoever raises the most money each month.

3.     Support your department. This year, the Department Challenge is back. When you register for 100 Miles for Hope make sure to join your department team. Here’s how.

4.     Support a friend, family member or department. Not everyone is able to participate in the physical aspect of the challenge. However, anyone can support a participant — or their department — by making a kind donation from this page.

I am so proud of this year’s improvements to what was already an outstanding program. Please visit the 100 Miles for Hope web page for all the details on tracking miles, how to fundraise and much more. And remember to share your 100 Miles for Hope journey with us at Legiontown.

Thank you for your support of this very important program that benefits our nation’s disabled veterans and military families! Your support truly demonstrates how The American Legion is …

Veterans Strengthening America.

Paul E. Dillard

National Commander

The American Legion