AARP and Wish of a Lifetime Join Forces To Send Wyoming Veterans To DC

Sixteen Wyoming US Military Veterans aged 65 and over and their companions will participate in Wish of a Lifetime from AARP’s Voyage of Valor to Washington, DC, May 5-9. The veterans will use the all-expenses paid trip to visit our nation’s military veterans memorials to celebrate their sacrifice.

The trips to DC are fulfilled through Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP that grants life-changing wishes to older adults and inspires people to redefine aging in America. The mission of Wish of a Lifetime is to spark hope and joy in the hearts of older adults by fulfilling their dreams through personalized experiences that promote healthy and purposeful aging. Currently, Wish of A Lifetime has granted nearly 3,000 wishes in 50 states, including everything from directing the University of North Carolina Wind Symphony to a scuba diving expedition for an adult with cerebral palsy.

“We saw Wish of a Lifetime was granting individual wishes to send veterans to Washington DC on its Facebook page,” AARP Wyoming’s Associate State Director of Outreach, Jennifer Baier says. “We called Wish of a Lifetime, told them our Honor Flights had ceased to exist, and asked if we could send a larger Wyoming contingent. Joining forces with Wish of a Lifetime from AARP will make visiting monuments, reconnecting with loved ones, and fulfilling lifelong dreams of visiting DC a reality for Wyoming Veterans and their families.”

The Vietnam War-era group of veterans will be bussed from Casper with police, and veterans escorts south to Cheyenne and through to Denver on May 5 for an overnight stay. On May 6, the travel party will fly from Denver to Washington, DC, before visiting the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean Memorial on May 7. On May 8, the Wyoming veteran group will visit Arlington National Cemetery that afternoon and witness the changing of the guard and the Women in Service Memorial. The trip will end on May 9, but not before a visit to Udvar Hazy.

The attendees for this Voyage of Valor include:
Richard Dike of Torrington joined the US Army right out of high school. After basic training, he was shipped out to Vietnam. In Vietnam, Richard worked as a gunner on a combat helicopter flying out over areas in the dense jungles. In the 13 months stationed there, Richard was shot down three different times. He and his pilot survived all three attacks, earning him three Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

John Gerrells from Thermopolis joined the Navy after high school and served for four years, visiting places like Korea, China, New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, and the coastlines of Vietnam. He is considered one of the original Tin Can Sailors. During the war, John recalls when he and his shipmates spent 89 days straight on board their Navy vessel serving as backup fire. John returned home the recipient of three Bronze Stars, a Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Dale Shafer from Powell, was drafted into the Army at age 19 and quickly sent to Vietnam. For many months, Dale was a part of the "Suicide Squad," whose mission was to go before other companies, find and destroy ambush threats. Dale vividly remembers one such mission where only 15 of his team of 96 survived. In another mission, Dale turned and ran back into a fight to rescue an injured squad leader, unfortunately, this choice led to Dale being shot in both legs and ultimately being honorably discharged.

Charles “Chuck” Mueller of Casper was drafted into the Army at age 24 and spent a grueling 18 months in Vietnam as an infantryman. Upon returning to the states, Chuck felt aimless and without purpose until he secured a social work position at the VA. For the next 40 years, Chuck worked tirelessly as a social worker and then as the Regional Deputy at the VA. Through Chuck's work, he supported the opening of 25 vet centers throughout the western states, created and implemented a mobile counseling unit in Colorado, and helped staff and jumpstart the Veteran Crisis Line in Denver, Colorado.

Kim Leibly from Cheyenne served stateside during the Vietnam era. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Kim found camaraderie and support among her peers. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasizes the invaluable lessons of responsibility, discipline, and honor that she gained. Kim wholeheartedly recommends military service as a transformative pathway for personal growth and future opportunities.

Ronald Neimi of Mountain View joined the Navy in 1967, shortly after graduating from high school. After completion of basic training stateside, his ship was sent to Vietnam where they fought offshore, providing extra coverage for the Marines on land. Although stationed off the coast of the war zone, Ron recalls many times being shot at and hit. Ron worked as a Machinist, taking care of compressors, generators, and engines. Ron returned home and stayed involved with the military, spending time in both the Navy reserve and Army reserve, for a total of 24 years of service to his country.

Doug Johnson of Douglas served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, earning the Presidential Unit Citation for his dedication as a loadmaster and fuel specialist. After retiring from a successful career as a railroad engineer, Doug became an active leader in the American Legion, helping over 6,500 veterans in Wyoming and earning national recognition as Department Commander for his advocacy.

Wayne Christensen of Newcastle is a proud Army veteran, who was drafted in 1966. Wayne was shot and wounded just six months into his tour during the intense conflict of Duc Pho. Despite his injuries, he returned home as a decorated veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Beyond his dedicated service to our country, Wayne has remained a pillar of his community, working with various organizations.

Jerry L. Harris of Cheyenne is a decorated Navy veteran who served with unwavering dedication for six years. Rising to the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer, Jerry’s bravery and commitment were recognized with nine medals, including the prestigious Navy Commendation Medal with Valor.

Harv Domsalla of Douglas is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who held leadership roles and deeply understands the sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans. He served in the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 2nd Battalion of the 5th Cavalry, earning the Bronze Star, Combat Medical Badge, Air Flight Badge, and Vietnam War ribbons.

Billy Fiorelli of Cheyenne is a proud Navy Veteran, enlisting in 1968. He was a corpsman, motivated by the high demand for medics and serving in the medical field. After completing one year in Jacksonville FL, he was injured and his time in service was cut short. Billy’s journey was marked by a single, shining medal from his time in Vietnam. But it wasn't just the medal that defined him, or the health obstacles he faced, it was a reminder of the sacrifices made, and the bonds formed during his service.

Dianna Neeley of Green River is a proud female veteran whose journey highlights her resilience and dedication. Inspired by her father, a World War II veteran, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966, serving as a Personnel Specialist at Naval Station San Diego when women were beginning to establish their roles in the military. Her service was cut short by regulations requiring pregnant women to leave, a reflection of the challenges faced by women in uniform.

William “Bill” Neeley of Green River is a proud Navy veteran who served as a 2nd Class Fire Control Technician aboard the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War, participating in pivotal campaigns such as the Tet 69 Counteroffensive. Bill remains deeply committed to honoring his fellow veterans, actively serving with the VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

Tom Anderson of Casper is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who served with distinction as a door gunner with the 1st Cavalry Division, earning the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart, and four Air Medals. His courageous actions, including saving fellow crew members after a helicopter crash, highlight his dedication and bravery.

Edwin Glaser of Cheyenne volunteered for the Army in 1966 in hopes of being sent to Vietnam. After a year serving stateside, Edwin was transferred to Vietnam where he served for two years, working in intelligence with the Military Advisory group.

AARP and Military, Veterans, and Their Families
AARP has more than 3 million veterans in its membership and has made issues facing veterans, military members, and their families a priority. To that end, the organization has produced a free military caregiving handbook available by clicking here. The guide offers helpful resources and caregiving checklists, facts about veteran and military caregivers, and five key issues to address in your caregiving journey.

AARP also offers the free Watchdog Alert Veterans Addition guide, which is available by clicking here. The guide outlines the fact 1-in-3 current or former military members have been targeted by disability or benefit scams and how veterans and military families can avoid being scammed. More free resources can be found at aarp.org/veterans.

On March 1, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a proclamation declaring Wyoming a Hidden Heroes State, which recognizes the caregivers of veterans across Wyoming while highlighting some of the available resources for military caregivers.

The Hidden Heroes campaign is a collaboration between AARP and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to bring attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the challenges and long-term needs they face. The Hidden Heroes effort also attempts to inspire individuals, businesses, and others to take action on supporting military caregivers in their communities and establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at hiddenheroes.org to better connect with helpful resources and support.

For more information, contact Baier at jbaier@aarp.org.