Step Up for Veterans: Join the #84LungesChallenge
In honor of National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, 2025, 84 Lumber is launching the 84 Lunges Challenge, a nationwide social media campaign designed to raise awareness about the critical need to hire U.S. military veterans.
Inspired by the message, “Hire a Veteran. Change a Life,” the 84 Lunges Challenge invites individuals, businesses, and organizations across the country to complete 84 lunges in support of veterans. Participants are encouraged to post their efforts on social media using the hashtags #84LungesChallenge and #HireAVeteran, while tagging friends, colleagues, or companies to take the challenge and spread the word.
“This campaign isn’t about fitness, it’s a call to action,” said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. “Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and a mission-first mindset, qualities every team needs. Hiring them doesn’t just honor their service; it strengthens our workforce and our future.”
There’s no “right” way to participate. Participants can do 84 lunges at once, break them into sets, modify for accessibility, or get creative with form. What matters most is the purpose behind the movement.
How to Take Part in the Challenge:
- Complete 84 lunges (your way!)
- Record and post your challenge on social media
- Use the hashtags #84LungesChallenge and #HireAVeteran
- Tag at least three others to keep the momentum going!
Among the first to take the challenge is actor, builder, and veteran advocate Darren Keefe, who launched the campaign with a heartfelt video, featuring his father, a proud U.S. Navy veteran.
“I’m taking a break from swinging hammers and dancing shoes to hit some lunges that matter,” said Keefe. “I’ve teamed up with 84 Lumber because July 25 is National Hire a Veteran Day, and we want to raise our voices—and our knees—for those who served. Your legs will feel it, and your heart will too.”
In his video, Keefe encouraged others to, “Do 84 lunges (in any way you can), film it, post it, and share why hiring veterans matters to YOU. It’s time to raise awareness, get loud, and open doors for the heroes who are ready for their next mission in civilian life.”
The 84 Lunges Challenge underscores both the immense value veterans bring to the workforce and the real challenges they face when transitioning from military to civilian employment. Through this campaign, 84 Lumber hopes to ignite national awareness and inspire meaningful hiring decisions across industries.
“We’re proud to be a military-friendly employer,” added Smiley. “This challenge is a small but powerful way to spotlight the many benefits of hiring veterans. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.”
For more information on 84 Lumber’s initiatives and career opportunities, visit www.84lumber.com.
