Los Angeles County Sheriff challenges NYPD to see which department can raise the most money for The American Legion 100 Miles for Hope campaign.
This year’s American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge has recruited two of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies to participate.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, a member of American Legion Star Post 309, encouraged his deputies to participate during a staff-wide briefing on March 16. Sign up here to join the challenge, which is underway now.
“I’d have to take from now until Sept. 5 because my running days are behind me,” he said, holding up the tech shirt that all participants receive as part of their registration. “Oh, do I miss running. But it’s for a good cause, The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). It’s a great positive event.”
Registration fees and donations from 100 Miles for Hope go to the V&CF, which funds programs that support disabled veterans and military families facing financial hardships.
Even if you are not affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s or New York City Police departments, you can still support them by contributing to their teams. To find and donate to their teams (or others), please visit this page.
Villanueva and Post 309 Adjutant Ernie Bille challenged the NYPD and members of NYPD Post 460 to participate in a friendly competition.
“Our post is in and we’re excited about starting,” said Bille, who is actively recruiting members from the sheriff’s department, where he is a lieutenant. “We’re challenging New York City and Los Angeles police departments, and all police agencies to get out and support our veterans. And what’s great about the 100 Miles for Hope is that it also serves as a way that we can improve our own health and fitness by exercising on a regular basis.”
Wilem Wong, a member of American Legion Post 1291 in New York City and an Army veteran, accepted the challenge. Wong, who retired from NYPD as a sergeant a year ago, is rallying NYPD officers from NYPD Post 460, fellow New York City Legionnaires and others.
“It’s a great cause and this is all about rallying people together, like a rally point in the military,” Wong said. “Our enduring mission is to support our fellow veterans the best we can. And a way to show support is for us to drive donations to the Veterans & Children Foundation.”
To learn more, visit legion.org/100miles.
- 100 Miles