2026 Officers of the First Division Dinner

The 105th Annual Officers of the First Division Dinner

Please join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026 for the 105th Annual Dinner of the Officers of the First Division at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manhattan, Kansas.

Our dinner is an annual event for commissioned and warrant officers assigned or attached to the First Infantry Division during combat operations, those who served during operational deployments, and those currently serving with the Big Red One.

Founded in 1919 after World War I, the dinner is held on the last Saturday of April with a program that remains largely unchanged: cocktails at 1800; mess call at 1900; regimental colors on display; former commanders in attendance; the Division’s band playing regimental marches; an update from the current Commanding General; and a toast to our fallen comrades followed by taps and Auld Lang Syne.

Why attend?

One previous participant remarked, "The dinner was an amazing event, just being in the room with these professionals was awesome and humbling."

Attendance and Guest Policy

All attendees to the dinner are welcome to attend the chili luncheon on Saturday, the cocktail reception before the dinner, and join the veteran officers in the unit Command Posts throughout the weekend. Each member attending the dinner can bring one guest, in addition to spouses, such as a child or someone with a close relationship to The Division. Surviving spouses of member officers, as well as spouses of deployed officers, are also invited.

Unit Command Posts

Command Posts (CPs) will be located in suites throughout the hotel and convention center based on regimental and unit registration. CPs serve as the social hub for the weekend and are places where members and guests can visit and enjoy drinks.

Chili Luncheon

There is a come-and-go chili luncheon included in the dinner ticket cost on the dinner day, and members often lead book presentations and discussions.

Schedule of Events

• Command Posts will open at 1700 on Friday.
• The Chili Luncheon takes place at 1200 on Saturday.
• The Cocktail Reception starts at 1800 on Saturday and is followed by
• The Annual Dinner of the Officers of the First Division begins at 1900.

Hotel Rooms

The dinner will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manhattan. Room are available starting at $119 per night, and a link is available on our website.

The Dinner Ticket

Tickets for the dinner are $70 per person. If you would like to pay by check please send your registration information with payment made out to Officers of the First Division, 321 N. 16th St., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Donations

The Dinner ticket barely covers the costs of the dinner, chili luncheon, hotel amenities, and meals for the band and color guard, so we continue to rely on your generous support for the costs of printing, mailing, postage, etc.

Donations may be made online or by check payable to Officers of the First Division. Please mail checks to Officers of the First Division, 321 N. 16th St., Manhattan, KS 66502

What to Wear

• Active duty: dress mess or blues.
• Veteran officers and guests: tuxedo, dinner jacket, cocktail dress, blazer, dark business suit, dress mess or blues.

Duty First!