06/17/2026
From the Commander:
As I embark on my second year as the Post Commander, I wanted to reflect on our accomplishments over the past year. It was a great and very productive year due to all of the outstanding support of our post members and the community! We achieved an unprecedented 117.4% in membership that put us at 8th in the nation for our division; a feat that has never been accomplished at Post 1786. We assisted hundreds of veterans in all stages of life with VA Claims, survivor benefits, car repairs, food security, transportation to medical appointments, cleaning up storm damage, visiting retirement homes, awarding scholarships, funeral honors support, and many other things. Our 4th Annual VFW Golf Scramble made over $12,000 which is the most we've ever made with our fundraisers.
Our post is always growing and looking to the future in everything we do. As a result, we are distancing ourselves from old stereotypes of the VFW and we are forging a new image. Lee-Pearson Post 1786 is not a bar, we are a Veteran’s Service Organization that is focused on the betterment of the community, so please come get involved!
Other than serving and supporting veterans in Manhattan, as the Commander, my top priority is fully implementing our 5-year Capital and Construction Plan. We will be closing the deal on the land purchase in the summer of 2026 and once we are able, we will pursue construction of a building. This property will be a location where we can gather as veterans, host events, and a place that the community can utilize as a community center. We will not have a bar/canteen to keep costs down and to be fully welcoming to all veterans. Many are in recovery, and I don't want them to feel like they can't come to the VFW.
Our post has earned the All-American distinction for the past three years, and I am committed to achieving this honor for a fourth year. This goal will require the effort of all of us, as well as your support for the various initiatives our post undertakes.
Best regards,
Clay Rose
Post Commander, 2025-2027
