Posted: Friday October 17, 2025

Posted: Monday October 06, 2025

Join the USA 250 Challenge

Veterans & Children Foundation fundraiser a perfect opportunity for Riders to get more miles in ahead of the winter months.

The American Legion USA 250 Challenge is an opportunity for American Legion Family members – and those outside of the organization – to celebrate leading up to the nation’s 250^th birthday on July 4, 2026, while also fundraising for the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF). The year-long initiative offers three categories — fitness, mental wellness and community service — to engage more American Legion Family members and others to participate. Register for the USA 250 Challenge here.

With state rides and the national Legacy Run wrapped up, American Legion Riders are now encouraged to turn their focus to the USA 250 Challenge, as individuals, chapters, districts or departments. Many Legion Riders say that riding their motorcycle is therapeutic, making it a perfect way to participate in the challenge’s mental wellness component.  And with the winter months coming up, the challenge also is an opportunity to get in a few hundred more miles before the riding season slows down.

National American Legion Riders Chairman Mark Clark is asking the American Legion Riders – who raised more than $900,000 for the VCF during the 2025 Legacy Run –  to again step up for the fund.

“As The American Legion Family prepares to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday with the USA 250 Challenge, it is important for The American Legion Riders to once again lead the way,” Clark said. “The American Legion Riders are the only program to include the entire Legion family, so we are perfectly positioned to lead post and community activities that advance our values and raise funds to help veterans and their families. 

“The USA 250 Challenge is a continuation of our efforts to raise funds for the Veterans & Children Foundation, but it provides meaningful opportunities throughout the year to engage with the public to enhance our fitness, mental health and to strengthen the bonds with our fellow citizens.”

Examples of how Legion Riders can take part in the USA 250 Challenge include:

• Individual Legion Riders can compete by riding 250 miles on their motorcycles.
• American Legion Riders chapters can create an event where they ride at least 250 miles.
• During the holidays, collect 250 gifts or food items to deliver to needy families.

“Whether you walk, run, or ride 250 miles, I encourage every Rider and every ALR Chapter to participate and to lead the way in their community,” Clark said. “As National Commander Dan Wiley often states; ‘we are better together’, and the ALR has been proving that for more than 30 years. So let’s get moving and let’s do all we can to support the USA 250 Challenge.”

In addition to celebrating America, proceeds from the challenge’s $30 registration fee and all donations raised go to the Legion’s Veterans & Children Foundation, which supports disabled veterans and military families in need.

Through the VCF’s funding, the Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance grants feed and house children of military personnel and veterans facing urgent, unexpected hardships. These grants prevent eviction, keep the power on and fulfill basic needs to hold a family together through difficult times.

The VCF also covers training and accreditation costs for American Legion claims experts who provide free representation for veterans and families applying for disability benefits, survivor assistance, GI Bill opportunities and more.