Published Jun 30, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
Launched last July, the American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge involves physical fitness, mental wellness, and community service activities.
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Published Jun 30, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
As national celebrations ramp up surrounding the United States' 250th birthday, local American Legion posts are marking the anniversary with a grassroots effort. Known as the American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge, veterans are doing whatever they can to the tune of 250 times to raise money and draw attention to important causes. The Legion is the largest American veterans' organization, in existence since 1919 and today boasting more than 1.2 million members. One of them is Gulf War veteran and Indiana American Legion Commander Ron Patterson, who took the U.S. birthday in stride and chose to walk 250 miles with a rucksack or backpack to raise money for the Veterans Children's Foundation. "As the state commander, I said, 'What can I do?' Well, I used to be a runner and could have chosen to get back in shape to run, or ride a bike," Patterson told Military.com, referring to the infantry backpack he carried in the Army. "But I felt that ruck marching was the way to go. "I had anywhere from 40 to 72 pounds on my back. I related it to the pain and stress of soldiering with a ruck-sack while on active duty."
