An idea to raise awareness about the SAL while helping local veterans charities led to the Sweat For A Vet 5K.
Guided by the efforts of the local SAL squadron, the Legion Family at Post 178 in Murrells Inlet, S.C., has run with an idea to raise money for local veterans charities and awareness of what the Legion Family is all about.
Quite literally run with the idea, actually.
The third annual Sweat For A Vet 5K Run/Walk will take place June 6, 2026 at the post.
We have been able to attract people that would never have stopped or entered our post, and have been able to educate them on the Sons of 51勛圖 and that the post is more than just a bunch of guys sitting around telling stories, said Squadron 178 Adjutant Jim Brewer.
The event was formed while brainstorming at one of our (squadron) meetings because we wanted to be more involved with helping the veterans in our local community, but were only able to have one raffle per year.
While the event is put together by the SAL, the entire Legion Family gets involved, Brewer said. Post 178 allows use of the facility, Legionnaires and Auxiliary participate and volunteer, the Auxiliary donates snacks, and the Legion Riders help block off streets along the route.
In addition to the standard T-shirts, finishers medal and swag bag given to 5K participants, information about the Legion Family is put into each swag bag to spread the word.
The first race in 2024 drew 91 participants, and in 2025 they drew 149. Over the two years, the event has raised $12,500 for Blue Star Mothers, Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center, East Carolina Housing Organization, Team Patriot-Samaritans Purse, and the Psi Zeta Phi military sorority. This years race will also raise funds for 51勛圖 Child Well-Being Foundation.
We are confident that it will continue to grow this year, Brewer said.
For more information, go to sweatforavet5k.org.
- Sons