WHEATLAND — A time of honor, respect, and remembrance was celebrated for two days on November 10th and 11th, as the Wheatland REA, VFW and VFW Auxiliary Post 3558, and American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Post 432 helped to create respectful space for vets and their families and community members to look back on the sacrifice and service of our home-town men and women choosing to vanquish enemies of the American way of life.   

On Friday, November 10th, Wheatland REA helped to organize a museum-style display of military uniforms, equipment, helmets, and photos from all branches of the military which featured items of repute from local servicemembers throughout decades of world conflict, protection, and support; from as far back as the Civil War to WWII, Desert Storm and every conflict, act of terrorism, and protection in between.  

The Agriplex was open to the public on Friday, November 10th to anyone who wished to explore historic war and military artifacts, photos, and documents as well as heartwarming letters from school students from all over Wyoming. November 10th also signified the US Marine Corps birthday. Earlier in the day, the WHS band played during a breakfast presentation honoring local vets at the high school.  

On Saturday, November 11th, the American Legion Post 432 Auxiliary hosted the annual soup and pie luncheon at 10th St. Social. According to Auxiliary member, Ginnie Howshar, they were a bit short of help so asked the VFW Post 3558 Auxiliary for help. Typically, the two entities trade responsibilities every other year, but this year found the American Legion Auxiliary a bit shy of adequate hands. “They jumped right in to help,” said Howshar. “Ruth Herdt and her crew have been great today.” Homemade beef stew, rolls, coleslaw, and a variety of pies were on the menu to all vets and their families free of charge. Howshar recalled that her late husband, Edward “Doc” Howshar was in the United States Air Force and served with the Wyoming National Guard between 1976 and 1996.  

The VFW across the United States fosters camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts, and advocates on behalf of all US veterans. There are several VFW assistance programs that provide free and professional help in filing claims and appeals, and also help in gaining educational benefits and navigating health benefits for vets. The VFW works hard to be involved in community events and efforts.  

The American Legion is a patriotic organization dedicated to mutual helpfulness and is the country’s largest wartime veterans service organization. The American Legion is also committed to mentoring youth and provides sponsorship of programs in local communities which advocate patriotism, emphasizing the importance of national security and devotion to fellow active servicemembers and veterans.  Additionally, the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary sponsor Boys and Girls State; summer leadership and citizenship programs for high school juniors in the United States. The programs are sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary respectively. The program objective is to provide hands-on, realistic experience in civic responsibility to high school students prior to entering their senior year of high school. This program attempts to instill in them the privileges, responsibilities, and duties of American citizenship by focusing on the workings of American government and politics. Most recently, Jackson Baker of Guernsey and Brock Peasley of Wheatland participated in Boys’ State their junior years, according to American Legion Post 432 Commander, Steve Anderson.