2026 Veteran of the Year
The Chamber recognizes Clay Williams as 2026 Veteran of the Year
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the 2026 Veteran of the Year at the Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11th at 11 a.m. to Clay Williams, U.S. Army Retired. Clay will be recognized at the ceremony and will lead the parade on Saturday November 7th as the Parade Marshall.
Clay served his country as a United States Army Infantryman, including combat service in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, "Tomahawks," 2nd Infantry Division. During his military career, he earned both the Expert Infantryman Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge. The experiences of combat, and particularly the service and sacrifice of those alongside whom he served, left Clay with a lasting sense of responsibility to veterans and their families.
That responsibility led Clay to establish A Hero's Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring veterans, remembering the fallen, strengthening military families, supporting youth, and assisting veterans in need. Rather than working in Isolation, Clay has built partnerships among veteran organizations, community groups, youth programs, senior communities, and other nonprofits. Through those relationships. A Hero's Promise has supported youth scholarships, veteran outreach, senior veteran companionship and assistance, community projects, and efforts to preserve the stories and legacies of those who served. In 2026, the Organization was selected as the VFW Department of Washington Commander’s Special Project for 2026—2027.
Clay is equally committed to helping veterans one-on-one. His veteran leadership has included service as a Post Commander. Post Adjutant, and Veteran Service Officer. As a trained DAV Chapter Service Officer, he assists veterans and ran-lilies in understanding and accessing earned benefits and resources. He has also taken that advocacy to the Missouri State Capitol, speaking on issues affecting veterans and supporting efforts intended to reduce financial burdens on disabled veterans.
His investment in the community extends well beyond veteran organizations. Through Scouting America, Clay serves as River Trails District Committee Chair with the Ozark Trails Council and as Chartered Organization Representative for Scouting Units 149. His years of Scouting service have centered on mentorship. citizenship, leadership development, outdoor education, and helping young people develop confidence and responsibility. He also serves on the board of the Waynesville-St. Robert Senior Center supporting programs that provide fellowship, outreach, and assistance to seniors and veterans.
Clay's contributions are perhaps best understood by looking at the people they reach. A veteran seeking assistance can find an advocate. A senior veteran can find companionship. A military family can find support. A young Scout can find a mentor. The family of a fallen service member can know that their loved one's sacrifice has not been forgotten.