Lee McClary is one busy guy. When he’s not working as a Senior Veterans Claim Representative for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) – answering questions and advising individuals on the benefits available from Federal, State and County resources and assisting people in completing and filing benefit claims – he’s a member of American Legion Post 259.

He’s also spent the last 6.5 years as the National Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for the Minnesota Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). Lee’s above and beyond commitment to helping the Minnesota VVA resulted in his being named the VVA National Veterans Service Officer of 2021. This recognition happily surprised and deeply touched Lee, a man who loves his country, his job and his ability to serve those who have served.

“The Minnesota VVA came to Ron Quade, (MDVA’s Director of Claims and Field Operations), and asked if our agency could provide a little assistance with their hiring,” said Lee. “In a short time, that request transitioned into ‘Can someone help us run our organization?’ Their group was experiencing the loss of a key leader who had managed many critical areas and wanted to be able to continue providing programs and benefits to its members. That’s how I got involved.”

Lee agreed to step up and VVA contracted with MDVA for services. “I was told I could take the reins and run with what needed to be done,” Lee shared. “And I’ve spent nearly seven years doing just that.”

In addition to hiring, Lee assisted with Veteran outreach, grant writing, special event planning, advocating for new laws (including those addressing the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange and suffered many health problems in subsequent years), attending claims hearings on behalf of Veterans, leading committee meetings, partnering with state agencies (when needed), updating the chapter’s postal and claims processing systems and focusing on expanding membership. “My goal was to make sure all moving parts of the organization were up to standard,” noted Lee. “And I was proud of what we accomplished together.”

Lee’s own deployments were post-Vietnam era and took him all over the world: the Mediterranean, Pakistan, and Kabul and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He worked in embassy operations and prisoner control. “I returned to the United States intact and was anxious to connect with other Veterans who told the same stories I was telling. That’s how I ended up working for MDVA and VVA. I also took advantage of the GI bill and earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It feels good to apply that knowledge and those skills to filling the needs of Veterans and their dependents.”

Last November, Lee traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to attend the VVA National Service Officer of the Year Award presentation. Close to 400 delegates watched as Lee was honored for his ongoing work. “The relationships VSOs have with each other is everything; I was humbled by their choice to acknowledge the important support we had given to our VVA chapter and I don’t ever want to let them down.”

Pete Philippi, Assistant Service Center Manager at the Veterans Affairs St. Paul Regional Office, said what Lee has helped accomplish on behalf of all Veterans - especially those served by the VVA - is worthy of honor. “Lee is a force, a champion for those who want to change their lives. He compassionately and effectively makes a difference.”

Ron Quade agrees with Pete’s assessment. “While it’s hard to narrow down into a simple description what Lee does, I think calling him a true partner for our Veterans is pretty accurate. From healthcare and employment to education and memorial affairs - and everything in between - he makes sure Veterans can access the benefits, programs and services that they have earned so they can live their best possible life. What could be better than that?”

For more information about Veterans Programs and Services, contact 1-888-LinkVet.

For help with existing claims Veterans are encouraged to reach out to the Minnesota Disabled American Veterans or another Veteran Service Organization in Minnesota.