Lander FFA and United States Army members present the colors.
Lander FFA, located in Lander, Wyoming, hosts a Veterans Day BBQ in the Lander Valley High School (LVHS) ag classroom. Lander FFA President Madalyn Nicely and former Lander FFA President Kadence Kummer began hosting this lunch last year, recognizing the need to celebrate those who serve America.
“It’s more than a meal, it’s a moment of gratitude, respect and connection between generations,” Nicely said.
Appreciation Both Ways
In addition to Lander FFA cooking food, including burgers, desserts and more, members can share what Lander FFA is about.
“It lets us show our community what we actually do. We host it in the ag classroom, so we get to show our shop, aquaponics and more. Veterans get to see what our school is actually doing in the agricultural field and how FFA actually works,” Nicely said. Chapter members work the BBQ, giving hands-on service to those who have made so many sacrifices to America.
Lander FFA created a poster to promote the BBQ.
Coming Together as a Community
For turnout, Nicely estimates about 85 veterans came to last year’s BBQ, and about 100 will come this year. She also knows the BBQ is a great way for the Lander community to connect. “The Veterans Day BBQ means coming together as a community to honor the people who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” she adds.
In a Facebook post, Nicely shared, “Please join the Lander Valley FFA on Veterans Day for a free home-cooked BBQ! We would love to serve you and your family a warm meal to thank you for all you have done for us.” She believes that by inviting the community on Facebook, the turnout is likely to be higher.
As for the future, Nicely and the chapter hope this tradition will never end. “Sharing food is a simple act, but it reminds us that freedom isn’t free, and our veterans deserve to be celebrated every day,” she said.
Kadence Kummer (left, 2024-25 Lander FFA president) and Madalyn Nicely (right, 2025-26 Lander FFA president) talk with veterans at the 2024 Veterans Day BBQ.
