February 1st, 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the Patriot Challenge initiative. This month Gallantfew.org is raising funds through a fitness challenge that helps support military veterans reintegrate into civilian society after serving the country. So we can get behind their mission of connecting America to its veterans.
WHAT IS THE PATRIOT CHALLENGE?
The Patriot Challenge started in 2012 was spawned by Army Ranger Cory Smith. Smith trekked from Fort Benning, Georgia, to his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the transition that military veterans face when transitioning from public service into civilian life. He was greeted with cheers of “Run Ranger Run” during his journey.
This nationwide event uses the number 565 to signify the distance that Smith traveled from Georgia to Indiana. This event is a way to connect Americans with the veteran community. Unfortunately, many veterans have problems entering civilian society after their duty has been completed; this is a great way to show thanks to the military community while getting in better shape.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PATRIOT CHALLENGE?
You can participate as an individual or as a team without any maximum or minimum. Any form of fitness activity, including yoga, running, biking, swimming, dancing, weightlifting, rock climbing, soccer, or dancing, counts towards an individual or team’s goal of 565 miles. You can visit Gallantfew.org to register or donate.
This is a virtual event, so you can participate from anywhere. This fantastic program helps improve your personal health while also raising money to help veterans with re-integration and transition initiatives. You can also fundraise for your other favorite military causes. Any funds you raise above $1,000 can be split 50/50 to your other favorite military causes in your home state or elsewhere.
Since 2012 over 10,000 patriots have logged 565 miles or equal units of exercise in participation of Glantfew’s Run Ranger Run event, now called the Patriot Challenge. Gallantfew is a highly rated non-profit where over 95% of the funds they raise are used to execute their helpful programs.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
We thought the Patriot Challenge is a great way to tie in your health and physical fitness pursuits to a great cause that helps people who might need a little support. Learn more at Gallantfew.org.
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author