Veterans

As a thank you for his sacrifice for our nation, AARP Wyoming is honoring Marshall as the Hero of The Game at The University of Wyoming’s football game against Utah State on Oct. 26. Marshall and his family will be given free tickets to the game, parking passes, dinner, and Marshall himself will be honored on the field during the game. This will be the first time Marshall has ever attended a college football game, despite being a lifelong Cowboy fan.

New AARP resource connects Wyoming’s veterans to adapted housing grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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 Wyoming Voyage of Valor is a Wyoming-specific trip that brings 20 veterans and their companion to Washington in May of 2024.

Mills will be honored at halftime of the Wyoming-Colorado State game, designated by the University of Wyoming as Military Appreciation Day. Mills and his family will receive a seat upgrade and parking pass from the University of Wyoming.

Every veteran deserves to be honored for their service and sacrifice. Wish of a Lifetime from AARP Wyoming celebrates veterans 65 and older with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., to see the monuments and memorials built to honor their service and sacrifice. Over four days, the veterans develop meaningful connections as they share unforgettable moments while reflecting upon their service to our country.

At 17 years old, I had dropped out of school and like most teenagers I thought I had all the answers in this life. In 1968 I volunteered to serve three years in the United States Army where I was trained as a Field Artillery crew member. Basic training was definitely an eye-opener because that’s when I realized that I needed to grow up and grow up fast. I acquired new skills while in basic training, things like shining shoes and ironing my uniform. I find that I still shine my shoes every day and I still prefer heavy starch in my clothes. I learned how to be part of a team and took pride in myself and my country. It turns out I wasn’t old enough to serve in VietNam after Advanced Individual Field Artillery training like the others in my class, so I was assigned to go to Germany. During my service, I learned to respect and appreciate each and every person I met, regardless of how they looked or where they came from. A philosophy that has continued to serve me well throughout my life.

The Memorial Day Weekend fair will feature an appearance by Governor Mark Gordon; ourly storytellers, and time with Lee Alley, a Vietnam Veteran and Distinguished Service Cross Medal Recipient.

A survey to learn more about the needs of Veterans in Wyoming

AARP Wyoming and veterans organizations around the state will host a free Military Veterans Resource Fair and Lunch at American Legion Post 14 in Laramie on April 29.

Today in Cheyenne 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.