For Malverne resident Don Pupke, every mile he walks across New York State is another step toward preserving one of the village’s most important community institutions.
Pupke, 66, began a grueling 750-mile journey on July 3 to raise money for American Legion Post 44 and its nearly century-old hall, which has served generations of residents as Malverne’s primary gathering place for elections, civic meetings and other community events.
He added that the fundraiser will help pay for much-needed improvements to the building, including upgraded lighting, renovated bathrooms and a new kitchen.
Pupke said he expected to complete the journey around Aug. 7, ending up back in Malverne, and residents are invited to join him for the final mile to American Legion Post 44.
The walk represents the culmination of a goal Pupke had pursued for years. He first considered crossing the state during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, but the timing never panned out. Last year, the plan was postponed after he broke his foot. The following day, he lost his home in a house fire.
Rather than abandoning the idea, Pupke decided this year was the right time to undertake the challenge while raising awareness and financial support for an organization that has played an important role in both his life and the broader Malverne community.
American Legion Post 44 has remained a cornerstone of community life in Malverne since it was established in the late 1920s.
Pupke, a 35-year village resident, said the building also holds special meaning for his family. His parents met there at a high school dance before graduating from Valley Stream Central High School in 1949.
The fundraising effort took shape during the 2024 presidential election, when Pupke volunteered as a poll worker inside the Legion Hall.
After discussing the building’s needs with fellow Legion member Dan Kerning, the two agreed the hall deserved renewed investment. Pupke joined the Legion as the son of a veteran, while Kerning became a member through his own military service. Together, they began looking for ways to raise money so the building could continue serving veterans and the community for years to come.
To support the effort, Pupke established a fundraiser through GiveSendGo, with all donations deposited directly into the Legion’s bank account.
“This is quite an accomplisment for him to walk,” legion financial officer Donald Brady said. “We appreciate that he’s doing this and hopefully many people on Long Island will follow him and donate for a great cause.”
As for the reason for the arduous walk, Pupke, a history enthusiast, has long been fascinated by the journeys Americans routinely made on foot during colonial times and throughout the 19th century, when traveling hundreds of miles to visit family or conduct business was common. He wanted to experience that same kind of journey while he still had the physical ability to do so.
His route follows much of the Empire State Trail before continuing from Manhattan to Montauk Point, extending the trip beyond the trail’s official endpoint so he can walk from New York’s westernmost point to its easternmost tip. Although the entire trail spans about 560 miles, Pupke said he expects to log between 750 and 775 miles.
“Being a Long Islander, I took offense to the fact that they excluded Long Island,” he said about the creation of the trail.
Since leaving western New York, he has averaged more than 20 miles a day while carrying a 25-pound backpack. Most nights are spent camping along the Erie Canal, where lockmasters have welcomed him onto lock property, with hotel stays every six or seven days to rest and recharge.
On the first day, Pupke expected to walk nine miles, but it stretched to nearly 20 miles after he discovered that posted trail distances were inaccurate, all while temperatures climbed to 102 degrees.
Along the way, strangers have offered him meals, snacks, blankets, campsites and encouragement, while supporters have followed his progress online and contributed to the fundraiser.
“I’m challenging myself and the images of my own thoughts about aging and ageism and how I feel about my own capabilities,” Pupke said. “I’m going into the cave and slaying a lot of dragons by doing this myself, proving to myself that I’m capable of doing things that most people don’t think they’re capable of.”
Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan said Pupke’s effort reflects the spirit of the village.
“Don is a shining example of how we are defined in Malverne — neighbors helping and supporting one another,” Sullivan said. “His service to our village never wavers, from being a deputy mayor, to local history buff, to making this incredible journey on behalf of our veterans.”
Throughout the more than a month-long journey, Pupke has shown extreme loyalty and dedication.
“I’m doing it for my friends, and I’m doing it for my village,” he said.