ABOUT THE WALKER

The Man Behind the Miles

DON PUPKE

WHY I’M WALKING ACROSS NEW YORK

My name is Don Pupke. I live in Malverne, New York, a suburb of New York City, located on Long Island. Despite being near a large city, Malverne retains its small-town charm. More than one-half of Malverne’s downtown area is taken up by a farm - Crossroads Farm -the only working farm still operating in Nassau County. The village has no main roads passing through and has only 25 commercial properties. This small-town charm is also reflected in the fact that our veterans and our American Legion Post are an important part of the fabric of our community.

For those who don’t know, the American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans support organization.  It was founded by the United States Congress in 1919 and has been serving the needs of veterans for more than 100 years.  The Malverne American Legion -Post 44 was founded in the late 1920’s and the American Legion Hall was built in the early 1930’s.

The Legion Hall has served generations of residents by being the only meeting hall in the village.  It’s been the site of countless birthday parties, dances, elections, shows and public meetings.  The television show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed part of one its episodes is the hall.  But for me, the most important event is that my parents met there at a high school dance in 1947!

Like all 100-year old buildings, the Legion Hall is beginning to show its age.  Upgrades are needed for the electric and plumbing systems, bathrooms need to be expanded and a new kitchen long overdue.  The brave men and women veterans of the Legion need our help to get his done and that’s why I’m asking for your help and support. 

With this walk I hope to bring attention to this cause and to raise the necessary funds for this important part of our community. 

WALK DETAILS

START
Buffalo, NY

ROUTE
Erie Canal Trailway

DAILY PACE
15 miles/day

END
Montauk, NY

DISTANCE
~700 miles

YEAR
2026 — America's 250th

THE BENEFICIARY

American Legion Post 44

Joseph W. Murtha Memorial Hall has stood in Malverne, New York as a gathering place for veterans and their families for generations. Post 44 serves the community with honor, providing support, camaraderie, and advocacy for those who served.

American Legion Post 44
Joseph W. Murtha Memorial Hall · 250 Franklin Ave, Malverne, NY 11565 · (516) 599-8645

“All proceeds benefit the Post 44 general fund”