Leland VFW Post 12196 was named an “All American” Post for 2021-2022 by Matthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic, the VFW National Commander. Each year the National VFW sets goals for each Post to achieve. When all of those goals are met, the Post is awarded the distinction of All American. It is the highest national recognition a Post can receive.

The Leland Post was Chartered on January 19, 2020. “Before the Post was able to conduct a second meeting, the nation was locked down due to Covid. It was very difficult getting things going in those early days,” says Past Post Commander Jason Gaver. Even while dealing with the fall out of the pandemic that year, this Post was active in the community and was recognized by Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman as the “Mayor’s Citizen of the Year” for 2020. It was the first time that an organization had received such recognition instead of an individual.

Commander Gaver led the Post during this award-winning year by building membership and hosting major community events such as the September Day of Remembrance, Korean War Era Veteran, and Vietnam War Era Veteran Commemorations.

“I believe this Post is just getting started in the things we can do for the community,” says Gaver. “Our focus, for now, is to continue building a quality foundation for our organization. I have confidence that the new Commander, Gerald Decker, and his team of officers will continue on the course we have set.”

Congratulations to all VFW Post 12196 on another milestone.