American Legion Commander Walks 250 Miles to Celebrate 250 Years of America

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.”

‘Ruck March’ to Benefit Local Charity

A rucksack is a German term for a large, rugged bag carried on the back, generally designed for hiking, camping or military use.

In Patterson’s case, he started his 250-mile journey across central Indiana with a lighter load, then gradually increased the weight until he had 72 pounds in his rucksack for the last mile of his trek.

The thing I dreaded the most when I was in the military was the ruck march. But with this challenge, I had a good reason. When I got to 200 miles, I was carrying 50 pounds. The last mile, I added 22 more pounds, for the 22 soldiers who commit suicide from PTSD on average every day nationally.

Launched last July, the American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge involves activities centered around physical fitness, mental wellness and community service. Donations support the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation, which provides one-time financial help to veterans who have children and are facing difficulty in meeting their basic needs.

Raising awareness for service members who suffer from PTSD and die by suicide was just part of Patterson’s mission. Raising funds for the Veterans Children’s Foundation was just as important.

“We help those struggling with medical needs apply for a grant,” Patterson said. “We’ll write them a check for $500 to help them pay a bill.”

“Also, during the last big government shutdown when the Coast Guard went without pay, the American Legion wrote a check for $1 million to pay their salaries,” he added.

Sore Shoulders But ‘The Right Thing’ to Do

Patterson said he exceeded his personal goal of raising $20,000 for the foundation, as he collected donations along his walk. But he admits it was “a challenge.”

“Well, I’m not going to lie. The first 50 miles was just me getting into shape. Adding the 22 pounds at the end was a big difference,” Patterson said. “But I feel really great. A lot of people asked my story along the way. I engaged with them and a lot of them pledged to join the American Legion because of it.”

Patterson began his military service in 1985 at Fort Lewis, Wash., while he was in his 20s. He later moved to Fort Bragg, N.C., as a paratrooper until retiring in 1991.

A veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War, Patterson, now 62, said completing the 250-mile challenge with his rucksack brought back a lot of memories.

“My shoulders are more sore now,” he said. “Seventy pounds is a pretty legit weight on your back,” he said. “But it’s always the right thing, to do the right thing.”

The Veterans Crisis Line helps veterans suffering from PTSD. They can dial 988 and press 1, or send a text to 838255. The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge is scheduled to run through Independence Day.