News – Sheridan Media
Veterans of many wars have been forgotten or even disrespected when they returned home after serving our country.
As a way to take action, and to let every veteran and their families know that their sacrifice has been acknowledged, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently signed a proclamation naming March 30 of each year as Wyoming Veteran’s Welcome Home Day.
This day has been set aside to properly honor and thank these American and Wyoming heroes. It was officially established during the 61st Wyoming legislative session. This date commemorates the day U.S. combat troops would have returned to Wyoming from the Vietnam War in 1973.
As part of a statewide initiative to thank and formally welcome home all Wyoming veterans, there was a ceremony held in Sheridan on May 10 at the Hub on Smith, and several veterans attended the event.
Master of Ceremonies was Wyoming Veterans Commissioner Jack Tarter, Buffalo, Wyoming, who gave the opening remarks for the ceremomy. There was a posting of the colors by Captain Vallejo.
Mark Wilson, Buffalo, Wyoming, gave the invocation.
Beck Bridger, of the 67th U.S. Army Band “Wyoming’s Own,” sang the national anthem.
Tarter then read the Governor’s Proclamation for the Welcome Home Day, and introduced Governor Gordon.
Gordon talked about some people he had known who had served in the military, including John C. Schiffer, who was a ‘River Rat.’ He said those folks who felt service in the Navy was easy, being a River Rat was not. One of these boats is now on display at the Dubois Military Museum. He added that Schiffer was always worried about the mental health of the veterans.
He added this about his wife’s brother, who went to Vietnam when he was 17.
After Gordon’s talk, Tarter introduced Wyoming State Senator John Barrasso, saying, “If you watch Fox News, he’s one of their stars.”
Barrasso welcomed all the veterans in attendance and mentioned that he attended the ceremony when Sheridan dedicated the Gold Star Memorial in 2022.
He also talked about his challenge coin, which he presented to every Veteran who attended the ceremony.
Tarter read a letter from Senator Cynthia Lummis, who could not attend, but she said, ‘We owe a great deal of gratitude to our veterans, I am forever thankful for the sacrifices they made and continue to make for our country.”
Tarter then introduced Major General Gregory Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, who thanked Gov. Gordon and Senator Barrasso for his support of the our veterans.
He asked if any Korean or Vietnam vets were in the room, and several were at the event.
He added that one lessons they learned over the years was how not to treat our returning veterans. “We want to thank you for all you’ve done. Your legacy lives on.”
Tarter then introduced Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Kenneth V. Persson Sr. of the Wyoming Veterans Commission.
The ceremony ended with a receiving line for everyone to welcome Governor Gordon and Senator Barrasso, and the Veterans received the challenge coins as well.
First Lady Jennie Gordon presented the veterans with beef steaks.
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Last modified: May 12, 2025