The Lander VFW Post 954 is a vibrant hub for veterans and the Lander community alike. While being the only bar in Lander with a smoking section, it also hosts fun for the community! Join them on the weekend where you can get a free hot dog and chips, popcorn, or enter a football pool to win some cash!
Veteran of the Month: Jake Wells
This month, the VFW is proud to honor Jake Wells as their Veteran of the Month. Jake Wells served in the U.S. Navy for four years, stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. His role involved transferring boats, getting qualified on various vessels, and carrying out essential maintenance.
One experience that remains especially vivid for Jake is when his ship was rounding the west coast of Mexico, it caught on fire—the most expensive peacetime fire in U.S. Navy history. “The fire burned for three days, right underneath the island,” Jake recalled. The ship’s osmosis boiler had exploded, igniting hazardous materials. The crew spent those three days camped out on the flight deck, battling the blaze. Thankfully, no one was killed, but it was a harrowing experience. After the fire, Jake and his crew spent four months stationed in San Diego, where he fondly remembers enjoying some excellent Mexican food.
Jake not only made his mark through his service, but also in the culinary world as the proud owner of the Ten Tempura food truck. After his service, Jake decided to pursue cooking seriously and enrolled in culinary school. He initially considered starting a ramen truck but settled on tempura, a dish he has perfected. His grandmother’s love for tempura made it a personal choice, and he combines the Japanese technique with a Southern American philosophy: “We can deep fry anything.” His unique approach and willingness to try new things have set Ten Tempura apart.
VFW Post: A Community Gathering Place
Erika Leonhardt, the manager of VFW Post 954 stated that the center “serves as a critical gathering place for Lander’s veterans.” While there are other bars, none are as specifically geared toward veterans. For many, places like VFW Post 954 are a lifeline—a place where they can meet new people, form bonds, and be surrounded by others who “know the lingo” and understand their experiences. “It’s a good spot for veterans to share stories, and have a sense of humor—especially after going through trauma. We have a darker, dry humor,” Jake noted. “It’s nice to come and talk to people,” Jake said, “I made sure a lot of pilots made it home safe. Even though I wasn’t in combat, everyone has their story.”
Reflecting on his Navy days, Jake recalled a piece of wisdom from an admiral of the Navy SEALs: “Make your bed every morning. No matter how bad you messed up that day, at least you came back to the one thing you did right.” This discipline stuck with him, as did the sense of camaraderie formed through shared experiences.
Beyond honoring veterans, the Lander VFW Post is a dynamic community space. Offering a variety of activities and services, the post welcomes veterans and civilians alike.
- Entertainment: Skill games, the Stupid Jar raffle and Yahtzee add an element of fun.
- Refreshments: Enjoy weekly drink specials, farm-fresh eggs for $3 a dozen, and bagged ice ($1 for non-members, free for members).
- Amenities: Pool, darts, and a community bulletin board are available for members and guests.
- Hall Rental: The post offers a hall for rent, perfect for meetings, events, or private gatherings. Non members can rent for $100 a day or $20 an hour.
- Community Events:
November 9th – Breakfast for Dinner served by the Boy Scouts
November 11th – Veterans Day Breakfast at 9am
- Community Events:
The VFW Post is open to the public and invites everyone to stop by and experience the camaraderie and hospitality firsthand.
Sponsored ad paid for by Lander VFW Post 954