Military May Winds Down but Our Appreciation Never Stops
It’s no coincidence that Fort D.A. Russell and the City of Cheyenne were founded within a few weeks of each other in July 1867. Originally established by the United States Army as Fort David Allen Russell, it was home to detachments of the 30th Calvary and it’s first mission was to protect workers of the the Union Pacific Railroad. Over the next 152 years, Fort D.A. Russell would change names (to Fort F.E. Warren and eventually to F.E. Warren AFB) and change missions (to Air Training Command and eventually to Air Force Global Strike Command).
In addtion to FE Warren AFB, Cheyenne is also home to the Wyoming Army National Guard, established in 1870, and the Wyoming Air National Guard, established in 1946. With such a rich tradition of military in our community, it’s nearly impossible to go into any store or any restaurant on any given day and not run into someone currently serving or who has served in the military.
It is because of these deep ties to our city that the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host a variety of events each May honoring our military, affectionatly calling it “Military May”. Earlier this month, the Chamber and business community hosted the Cheyenne Trophy awards luncheon, honoring outstanding squarons for their work and service. This year’s winners were:
FE WARREN AFB – 90th OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON
WYOMING AIR NATIONAL GUARD – 153d SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
WYOMING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD – 84th CIVIL SUPPORT TEAM
Shortly following the Cheyenne Trophy Awards presentation, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a Proclamation establishing Saturday, May 18th, 2019, as Military Appreciation Day. A special day to honor Armed Forces, paying tribute to the brave men and women who served in the military and who are still serving today.
“The freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are in direct result of the blood shed and continued vigilance given by the United States Armed Forces over the history of the United States. The sacrifices of the Armed Forces – and the family members that support them – have preserved liberties that have enriched this nation and have positively impacted the great State of Wyoming.”
– Excerpt from the Governor’s Proclamation
On Saturday, May 18th, High West Energy presented a Military Appreciation BBQ. Numerous sponsors and volunteers came together to host a free BBQ for currently serving military members and their families. The free event drew a large crowd on a chilly afternoon, but the clouds couldn’t dampen the spirit in the room. Face painting, balloon animals and a bounce house entertain the children while their military parents enjoyed burgers, brats, wings and cold beverages.
The culminating event of Military May will take place on Friday, May 31st as FE Warren AFB hosts a “Change of Command Ceremony” for the 90th Missle Wing. Pagentry and symbolism will be on display as Colonel Stacy Jo Huser will relinquish command of the 90th Missile Wing to Colonel Peter M. Bonetti.
The events of Military May could not happen without the support of the following sponsors:
Victory Sponsor – High West Energy
Valor Sponsors – Nuvision Credit Union, Townsquare Media and Blue Federal Credit Union
Freedom Sponsors- Wing Shack
Justice – #1 Properties, Capitol Roofing, Coldwell Banker the Property Exchange, First American Title, Halladay Motors, Inc., Holland & Hart, Magpul, MHP, LLP, Red Lion Hotels, and Western Vista Credit Union
Initiative Sponsors – Black Hills Energy, Burns Insurance Agency, Inc., Century 21 Bell Real Estate, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Cheyenne Southwest Downtown Area, Dad’s Donuts featuring the Boys Brew, Element Church, Face Time Business Resources, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, First Education Federal Credit Union, High West Wiring, Laramie County Abstract & Title Company, UniWyo Federal Credit Union, Western States Bank, Wyoming Bank & Trust
Trending Now
