Los Angeles area Legionnaires, including veterans from Team RWB Los Angeles joined American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt for the second annual Walk For Veterans on Dec. 11.

Commander Schmidt is carrying on an impactful initiative of immediate Past National Commander Dale Barnett – awareness Walk for Veterans.

Legion Family members from throughout the district trekked for three miles through historic Hollywood, stepping off from the iconic Post 43 memorial clubhouse.

These walks are an opportunity to raise awareness about veterans issues, highlight the Legion's impact on communities nationwide and for Legion family members to tell their story of why they joined the organization. Additionally, the walks:

Bring attention to the many great services the Legion provides, such as advocacy for veterans benefits, job fairs and family support through Temporary Financial Assistance (Schmidt's goal during his tenure is to raise $1 million for TFA and Legion service officer training).
Remind employers that the best way to thank a veteran for his or her service is to hire them.
Highlight the Four Pillars of the Legion.
Showcase the Legion's many premiere youth programs, such as Boys State, Boys Nation, Oratorical Contest and Legion Baseball.
Bring attention to veterans who served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Schmidt encourages departments to carry forward the opportunity to "walk for those who marched for us" by hosting a Walk for Veterans. The walks can coincide with Schmidt's visits to departments, but departments are encouraged to conduct them even if the commander is not visiting. The walks can be any distance and should include Legion family members, Legion youth program participants, Boys Scouts, high school JROTC units, community leaders and anyone else interested in helping bring Legion visibility to communities.

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Hollywood Legionnaires Walk for Veterans