Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Through Service, History, and Community
To honor America’s 250th anniversary, DCG invited employees to mark the milestone in a meaningful way: by exploring the nation’s history, serving their communities, and visiting the places that help tell America’s story.
Over the 100 days leading up to Independence Day, DCG launched the America 250 Challenge. Employees were encouraged to collectively complete 100 hours of community service while visiting historic landmarks, national parks, forests, trails, and other places that reflect the country’s rich heritage.
President John Tyler Grave Monument, Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA — visited by Mary Roh
Participants submitted their adventures and volunteer experiences throughout the challenge. The results exceeded expectations: 18 DCG employees participated, logging 63 visits to national parks, historic landmarks, and federal lands while contributing 142 hours of volunteer service.
To add a spirit of adventure, each submitted activity earned participants an entry into a drawing for an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, encouraging even more opportunities to discover the nation’s natural and historic treasures.
Congratulations to Sarah Warman and Mary Roh, whose names were drawn to continue exploring America’s public lands.
Following DCGers Across the Map
DCGers connected with landscapes, landmarks, and institutions that reflect America’s history and natural beauty, and explored the following iconic destinations across the country.
- National parks and public lands: Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Shenandoah, and Channel Islands National Parks
Noah Albro and Atlas visiting the Grand Canyon
- Historic and cultural sites: Gettysburg National Military Park, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, Federal Hall National Memorial, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Local and regional landmarks: Richmond’s historic landmarks, Alexandria’s Historic District, the American Tobacco Historic District in North Carolina, and the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
Together, these experiences offered meaningful ways to connect with the people, places, and events that have shaped America over the past 250 years.
Giving Back Where It Matters Most
Service was just as important as exploration throughout the challenge.
DCG employees volunteered with organizations supporting veterans, schools, food banks, youth sports, animal welfare, civic associations, and nonprofits. Their efforts included:
- Coaching student athletes
- Supporting local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts
- Assisting food distribution programs
- Helping humane societies
- Teaching English as a Second Language to new Americans
Together, these contributions reflect the spirit of service that strengthens communities across the country.
Amy Lopez’s six-year-old son volunteering at a neighborhood food pantry
Reflections from the Journey
Participants also shared memorable experiences and lessons from the challenge, highlighting resilience, service, discovery, and connection.
Rebekah Putera tackled the tallest outdoor rock climb she had ever attempted on Currahee Mountain, learning firsthand that every climb requires preparation, resilience, and adaptability. She also backpacked 18 miles through Pisgah National Forest with 50 pounds of gear, gaining both personal strength and a deeper appreciation for nature.
Rebekah Putera, Rock Climbing Currahee Mountain, Toccoa, Georgia
Marina Parsons, a high school girls field hockey coach, reflected on the joy of watching young athletes grow in confidence — and how their enthusiasm inspired her to return to the sport herself and join an adult league.
Amie Lopus shared how volunteering alongside her six-year-old son at a neighborhood food pantry reinforced that helping others benefits both the community and personal well-being.
Marc Loi, who volunteers teaching English as a Second Language, described watching adult students gain confidence as they pursue the American Dream, calling it “the definition of why we celebrate 250 years of the American spirit of grit and determination.”
Mary Roh highlighted the USS Midway Museum, where veterans shared personal stories that brought history to life for visitors.
Sarah Warman volunteered with the Washington County Humane Society and Hagerstown Rapid Response/Food Bank. She also visited historic war sites, including Gettysburg National Military Park and Antietam National Battlefield.
Sarah Warman, hiking Cunningham Falls, Frederick County, Maryland
Shelly Storey reflected on finally visiting Capitol Reef National Park and traveling Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. She also volunteered with her local VFW chapter.
Celebrating the American Spirit
The America 250 Challenge demonstrated that celebrating our nation’s history isn’t only about reflecting on the past — it’s also about strengthening communities, preserving our shared heritage, supporting one another, and creating new memories in the places that make America extraordinary.
