2016 brings more awareness walks and motivation to raise $1 million for the National Emergency Fund.
I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas with family and friends, and I look forward to what this new year brings to The American Legion. One thing that will continue on in 2016 from last year is Walk for Veterans events.
December’s Walk for Veterans in Hawaii marked the first time the Legion’s top three leaders lead an awareness walk together. Auxiliary President Sharon Conatser and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Kevin Collier provided a valuable opportunity for community members to hear how the Legion Family supports veterans, servicemembers and their families. And I know it won’t be the last time all three of us walk for those who marched for us.
The purpose of the awareness walks is to let the public know that we are here. It might be a youth program, our support for veterans or something else, but we all have our reasons for joining and that’s a good thing. Hoosier Boys State had a huge impact on me and inspired me to attend West Point. These walks are a way to let people know about what The American Legion Family has to offer.
There are awareness walks planned in the upcoming months in several departments. I encourage you to plan a Walk for Veterans event on March 15, the Legion’s 97th birthday, or conduct one during your department’s convention this summer. Don’t let weather hold you back from raising community awareness about the Legion; be creative on where to conduct a walk, such as inside a mall.
And when you’re hosting an awareness walk, remember a component of the walk – raising funds for an American Legion program, such as the National Emergency Fund (NEF).
NEF is my primary fundraiser, with a goal of raising $1 million. NEF has helped American Legion posts recover from major natural disasters such as Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina while providing temporary financial relief for Legionnaires recovering from tornadoes, floods, wildfires and more.
As of Jan. 1, $85,000 has been raised for NEF. It’s so important, no matter what your donation is - $5, $10 or more - you are helping veterans in need. That’s what we do in The American Legion.
- Dispatch