Post Picnic
Jim Bush - 8/1/2025
VFW Post 11453 Hosts an America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with a Labor Day Picnic
Veterans of Foreign Wars Frontier Post 11453 invites the community to initiate America’s semiquincentennial celebration at a Labor Day Picnic on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM at North Cheyenne Community Park. Event highlights include family-friendly games, the post beef raffle drawing, and public readings of the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. All community members are welcome to attend; we’re also encouraging eligible military veterans to consider joining Post 11453. We look forward to honoring our nation’s past and shaping its future together. Seating is limited so consider bringing a lawn chair.
Tour: Trains, Missiles, and more Trains
Jim - 7/19/2025Update: For those who plan to attend the Post's Rocket & Rail field trip lets meet at the gate to the Atlas Missile Site 41°05'26.1"N 104°31'06.9"W no later than Noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Our host, Michael Pannell, has other business in the afternoon, so if possible be early and please give me a heads up by calling or texting the Post phone number (see webpage). As I have mentioned before there are sure to be many hazards at this location; it is not a place for children or even adults who don't listen or make sound judgments.
Address: 645 Road 140, Carpenter, WY
Directions from Cheyenne:
- East on I80
- Take Hillsdale (TA Travel Center) Exit 377
- At the end of the off ramp turn right/south onto County Road (CR) 140; Google calls it Missle (misspelled) Rd
- In 4.3 miles turn 1/2 left (south-east) at the Y; that is almost 0.5 miles after crossing CR 207
- If you get to Laramie County Fire District 4, Fire Station 2, you went about 0.5 miles too far south. Turn around
- Meet up at the closed gate, about 0.3 miles from the Y split
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By Jim Bush
In addition to the usual model layouts and vendor booths at the 2025 Sherman Hill Train Show, I ventured into the shell of a once-functional locomotive. Though its lower and mid-sections have been removed, the engineer’s cab remains filled with levers, buttons, pullcords, lights, and doors—an immersive glimpse into railroading’s mechanical heart.
Inside that locomotive shell I met Michael Pannell, president of the High Plains Railroad Preservation Association and owner of Vintage Rail Restorations LLC. Michael’s workshop restores historic railroad equipment, but its location carries its own history: this parcel once housed the 565th Strategic Missile Squadron.
The 565 SMS activated at F.E. Warren AFB in 1958 as the second Strategic Air Command unit on nuclear alert with SM-65D Atlas ICBMs. Just east of Cheyenne the 565 SMS operated through the early 1960s before the squadron inactivated in March 1965. Michael notes that some launch pads, protective blast walls, support buildings and foundations are still intact—and he’s offering us a guided tour of the grounds.
Michael brings decades of restoration experience from England and Wyoming to every project. His portfolio spans Union Pacific wooden-era cabooses, historic boxcars, and now the meticulous rehabilitation of the Utah Merci Car. Michael combines archival research, original fabrication, and hands-on craftsmanship to preserve both structure and story.
In 1949, France dispatched the "Train de la Reconnaissance française”—49 boxcars bearing gifts—to thank the United States citizens for the 1947 Friendship Train filled with post-war aid. Each car, one per state (with D.C. and Hawaii sharing the 49th), carried handcrafted tokens from French citizens.
Originally at Ogden Union Station, Utah’s Merci Car arrived in Cheyenne spring 2024 for a two-year restoration under Michael’s direction. The process includes stripping the tar-paper roof and milling new period-correct boards, sectional removal of side planks for repair and preservation, sand-blasting undercarriage parts and fabricating missing metal components, repainting in the 1949 livery and reinstalling authentic shields and banners.
Wyoming’s Merci car lives under shelter at American Legion Post 6 in Cheyenne. Among its artifacts are the "Friendship Knot” woven from U.S. and French flag threads and a never-worn corkscrew wedding dress, preserved by the Wyoming State Museum (viewable by appointment).
With both Merci cars in Cheyenne, Michael aims to reunite these sisters for the first time since delivery in 1949. This brief reunion would allow side-by-side comparisons—an unprecedented event in Merci Train history.
In late 1947, columnist Drew Pearson launched the Friendship Train to gather food, clothing, and fuel for war-torn France and Italy. Covering 2,400 miles over 11 days, the train passed through Cheyenne on November 7 and ultimately filled [reports vary] over 700 freight cars—each parcel carrying personal messages of solidarity.
Whether you’re drawn by model railroads, Cold War relics, or Franco-American goodwill, this year’s show and its offshoot tours promise a once-in-a-lifetime journey through railroad—and world—history.
Interesting Links
· 565th Strategic Missile Squadron
· 565 SMS Assessor’s MapServer
· Facebook Vintage Rail Restorations
· Facebook High Plains Railroad Preservation Association
I will push forward with coordinating a tour of this facility: currently it looks like Saturday, August 30. Due to numerous hazards on this site, it is not a tour for small children. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.
VFW Post 11453 Members Tour Wyoming’s Capitol
On June 21, 2025, members of VFW Frontier Post 11453 gathered for an exclusive guided walkthrough of Wyoming’s State Capitol building. The personal tour was led by the post’s Chaplain, Mary Lee Dixon, who provided context on the building’s history, architectural revival, and its role in state governance.
Background on the Capitol Remodel
The Wyoming State Capitol underwent a multi-year restoration from 2016 to 2019. Key improvements included
- seismic upgrades and structural stabilization
- restoration of original skylights, stained-glass domes, and ornamental plasterwork
- modernization of accessibility features while preserving historic chambers
- updated mechanical, electrical, and fire-safety systems
These efforts returned the Capitol to its 1917 grandeur and ensured it meets 21st-century needs.
Highlights of the Tour
Mary Lee guided Post 11453 members through:
- The restored Senate and House chambers, featuring hand-carved oak desks and fresh mural work
- The central rotunda, where the original Tiffany-style skylight now floods the grand staircase with natural light
- The Governor’s reception suite, showcasing newly repaired Carrara marble floors
- Interactive displays in the visitor center explaining Wyoming’s path to statehood
Along the way, the Chaplain shared reflections on service and sacrifice, tying veterans’ contributions to the broader story of Wyoming’s civic heritage.
VFW Frontier Post 11453 meets monthly at Veterans’ Rock and welcomes military veterans seeking fellowship and community service opportunities. Membership
For more details about post happenings visit: vfw11453.org
Military Women's Memorial
Certainly Wyoming's Military Women can share more stories.
Women Veterans Day
Witness Governor sign the proclamation declaring women veterans day for Wyoming.
President Harry S. Truman signed the women's armed services integration act on June 12, 1948 enabling women to serve as permanent and regular members of the armed services.
Please join us as we recognize the 77th anniversary of this groundbreaking law by honoring retired Lieutenant Colonel Barbara Dickinson. In recognition of the contribution of all Wyoming’s women veterans, Governor Mark Gordon will sign a proclamation declaring June 12, 2025 as women veterans day for Wyoming.
June 12, 2025, 3:30pm, State Capital Building Cheyenne, WY
Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Wyoming Veterans Commission Deputy Director Sandy McFarland at sandy.mcfarland@wyo.gov
Witness Governor sign the proclamation declaring women veterans day for Wyoming.
Supporting Our Veterans
Email from John Barrasso, M.D. United States Senator
This month, Senator Lummis and I hosted a
Tele-town hall with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. Colonel
Tim Sheppard, the Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, also
joined us.
Thousands of Wyoming veterans joined the call and had the chance to share
feedback directly with Secretary Collins. We heard from veterans across Wyoming
about what works at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and where
it falls short. There were many ideas for improvement, such as better online
scheduling and more flexibility for out-of-state appointments. As a
veteran himself, Secretary Collins knows the VA is too bureaucratic. He is
committed to fixing it. I am proud to partner with him to deliver the care our
veterans deserve.
If you’re a veteran or servicemember having issues with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs, I want to help you. Please contact any
of my offices with the contact information below, or at https://www.barrasso.
Best Regards,
John Barrasso, M.D.
United States Senator
Your story is our story! If you don't share, who will.
WE WANT YOUR STORY!!
Wyoming Veterans History Project
Are you a combat veteran of the US Armed Forces? Are you willing to tell your story to another veteran and have it archived with the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center? Would you like your story to be available for family, friends, researchers, and writers?
If so, contact Harry Whitlock (US Army, Retired) at hlwhitlock@gmail.com or 307-340-2071.
What is involved? A couple of hours of your time. You will be interviewed by Harry while an audio recording is made of the conversation. The recording will be transcribed. Both the recording and the transcription will then become part of the collection at the American Heritage Center (AHC). Your story will be available for researchers to access online or in person.
Will I lose the rights to my story or experience? While the copyrights to the recorded interview and transcript belong to the AHC, you retain the overall rights your story. Should you decide to tell your story to another interviewer, to write a book or make a film, or do something else related to your combat experience, that overall story still belongs to you.
Can I tell my story anonymously? Yes, you can. While researchers prefer to know the identity of a storyteller, the AHC can ensure you remain anonymous. The AHC can also ensure that the story is not released for a specified period of time due to personal or other concerns.
Can I donate memorabilia or documents along with my story? If you desire to donate items, you will be put in touch with one of the AHC’s archivists to discuss the donation. Ideal items are journals, letters, or ephemeral documents such as unit newsletters.
About the American Heritage Center.
More than 100 years ago, Grace Raymond Hebard—UW faculty member, administrator, librarian, and Wyoming historian—began collecting the papers and reminiscences of Wyoming’s pioneers. Her research on the history of Wyoming, the West, emigrant trails, and Native Americans became the nucleus for what is known today as the American Heritage Center (AHC). Officially established in 1945, the Center now holds over 90,000 cubic feet of historic documents and artifacts in more than 3500 collections—placing the AHC among the largest non-governmental archives in the nation.
Today, the AHC contains important holdings in numerous areas. Its western history archives include materials on early women’s suffrage and political achievements, native Americans, ranching, politics, authors, and under-documented communities. Other featured collecting areas include transportation (railroad, highway and air travel), mining and energy extraction, entertainment and popular culture (with important collections featuring Hollywood, music, radio, television and the comic book industry), natural resources and the environment, and military history. The AHC also serves as the primary archives for the University of Wyoming.
Source: https://www.uwyo.edu/ahc/
2025-2026 Post Officers
- Commander – Jim Rish
- SVC – Bryan Rebenne
- JVC – Gil Waddell
- Quartermaster – Justin Tripp
- Chaplain – Mary Lee Dixon
- 1-year Trustee – Dennis Dixon
- 2-year Trustee – Kevin Marx
- 3-year Trustee – Wayne Jones
May 24, 2025
Poppy Drive
Memorial Day Weekend
Sam's Club Cheyenne https://www.samsclub.com/club/cheyenne-wy-sams-club/6430
May 24, 2025, Post 11453 Poppy Drive at Sam's Club
VFW Post 11453 Hosts Poppy Donation Event in Cheyenne, WY
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11453 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will host a meaningful poppy donation event at Sam's Club. Running from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event will raise awareness and funds to support veterans and their families.
The red poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers and a way to honor those who have served. This tradition stems from World War I, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. By accepting donations and distributing poppies, VFW Post 11453 continues this legacy, helping to support programs dedicated to veterans' well-being.
Gil, a dedicated member of the post, will set up the donation booth at 8:00 AM. Throughout the day, community members will be greeted by a team of volunteers, each giving their time to support the cause:
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Bryan and Randy
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Jenna and Carl
Eligible veterans are encouraged to ask about membership into
VFW Post 11453. Check eligibility vfw.org/join/eligibility
For more information about VFW Post 11453 and their upcoming initiatives, follow their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VFW11453 or visit their official website vfw11453.org.
AARP Wyoming’s ShredFest
Free Drive-Through Shredding Event
Protect your identity by safely shredding sensitive documents on May 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Laramie County Public Library in Cheyenne. Registration is required (click here or call 1-877-926-8300), also drive-up same-day registration is available too.
You can bring up to two large boxes of paper with personal or financial information—such as Social Security details, banking data, credit card info, medical bills, investment statements, or expired IDs—to be shredded on the spot.
This event is part of AARP Wyoming’s ShredFest initiative to fight fraud. For more scam prevention tips, visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network website or call their helpline at 877-908-3360.
AL to Place Flags on Graves
AI - 5/19/2025
American Legion Post 6 Invites Volunteers to Honor Veterans on May 24 CHEYENNE – On Saturday, May 24, beginning at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 6 will honor fallen heroes by placing American flags on veterans' graves across all Cheyenne cemeteries.
This tradition is a heartfelt tribute to those who served, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and respected. Community volunteers are welcome to join in this meaningful effort. Their support is always appreciated in keeping this tradition alive.
All are encouraged to participate and help pay tribute to the nation's veterans.
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May 9, 202520th! Annual Cheyenne Day of Giving
Lend a hand to this outstanding local organization.
20th! Annual Cheyenne Day of Giving
MAY 9, 2025
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kiwanis Community House
Help Out
Thank you so much for your help! Please also let your members know that if they wish to volunteer at the actual Day of Giving Event it will be Friday, May 9th from 8am to 4pm. We have 2 shifts and provide a light breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. If they are interested, they can reach out to me at this email or at cheyennedayofgiving@gmail.com
Thank you,
Chelsey
Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony
Jenna - 5/7/2025Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony
You are cordially invited to attend
The Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
At Platte Valley Bank, 200 16th St, Wheatland, WY
This ceremony is to Thank and Welcome all our Veterans Home.
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May 3, 2025
Spring Outing 2025
Corgi Derby
Post 11453 is planning an outing to the 2025 Corgi Derby
In an effort to build comradeship between post members, family members, and community members VFW Post 11453 is planning an outing to the 2025 Corgi Derby scheduled for May 3, 2025; 1-4pm, at the distillery in Pine Bluffs, Wy. Join the Fun.
In an effort to build camaraderie among post, family, and community members, VFW Post 11453 planned an outing to the 2025 Corgi Derby on Saturday, May 3, at Pine Bluffs Distilling. All members in attendance thoroughly enjoyed what was billed as The Greatest Kentucky Derby Party in Wyoming.
The outdoor event featured bleachers, although a lawn chair added an extra boost of comfort. Guests prepared for the day by applying sunblock, dressing appropriately for the weather, and carrying an umbrella, which proved useful under the abundant sunshine.
Numerous attendees dressed in Kentucky Derby outfits and hats. To heighten the fun, the day included a best outfit contest—won by a lady who sported a Corgi stuffy in her hat. The Corgi and Mutt races concluded before the Kentucky Derby horse race was scheduled to begin, and many guests stayed at the distillery to relax and watch the event on the big screen.
Because the drive to the distillery was nearly an hour long, Post 11453 offered a carpooling service.
We welcome your suggestions for upcoming Post outings and encourage anyone interested to join us in planning even more engaging events.
Details from Cheyenne Animal Shelter.
This is an outdoor event there are some bleachers, but a lawn chair will certainly add to your comfort. Prepare for the weather with sunblock, appropriate clothing, and an umbrella will be useful rain or shine. Also the Kentucky Derby horse race is taking place earlier that day so feel free to wear your Kentucky Derby outfit/hat.
If you would like to Car Pool to Pine Bluffs please contact us via the Contact Us page as soon as possible to make arrangements.
To lend a hand in planning future fun events please Contact Us we look forward to you r ideas.
THE BELOW INFO IS FROM THE PAST
https://www.cheyenneanimalshelter.org/calendar/corgi-derby-2024
Get your pint-sized pooches ready for the race of all races as we come together for the annual Corgi Derby! On May 4th, 2024 at 1 PM, join the Cheyenne Animal Shelter and Pine Bluffs Distilling as we work to raise funds for the pets and programs here at the Shelter!
Corgi and Mutt race registration is now open, as well as tickets for the best view of the track in Millionaire's Row! Don’t have a pup to enter? Show up for the fun and enjoy the races, adoptable dogs, food trucks, and delicious beverages from the distillery!
We hope to see you in your fanciest Derby attire... and may the fastest Corgi win!
Spring Outing 2025
Jim Bush - 5/4/2025In an effort to build camaraderie among post, family, and community members, VFW Post 11453 planned an outing to the 2025 Corgi Derby on Saturday, May 3, at Pine Bluffs Distilling. All members in attendance thoroughly enjoyed what was billed as The Greatest Kentucky Derby Party in Wyoming.
The outdoor event featured bleachers, although a lawn chair added an extra boost of comfort. Guests prepared for the day by applying sunblock, dressing appropriately for the weather, and carrying an umbrella, which proved useful under the abundant sunshine.
Numerous attendees dressed in Kentucky Derby outfits and hats. To heighten the fun, the day included a best outfit contest—won by a lady who sported a Corgi stuffy in her hat. The Corgi and Mutt races concluded before the Kentucky Derby horse race was scheduled to begin, and many guests stayed at the distillery to relax and watch the event on the big screen.
Because the drive to the distillery was nearly an hour long, Post 11453 offered a carpooling service.
We welcome your suggestions for upcoming Post outings and encourage anyone interested to join us in planning even more engaging events.
Need a Tax Break?
Jim Bush - 4/8/2024
- Wyoming Veterans Exemption this will save you about $430 per year. If you don't want it--donate it to Post 11453. See Tax Relief on the Laramie County Assessor' webpage. To renew phone 307.633.4232 during business hours. For initial sign up visit the County Assessors Office.
- Long Term Home Owners Exemption (65 or older, paid Wy property tax for 25 years, live in that home at least 8 months per year). You may qualify for almost 50% off property tax, apply at County Assessors Office.
- Home Owners Exemption almost 25% off property tax for primary residence (automatic in 2025) must apply for in 2026 before May deadline. Apply at County Assessors Office.
- Assessors Office 309 West 20th St, Ste 1100, Cheyenne, WY 82003.
- Property Tax rebate, income based, changes from year to year. Inquire at County Treasure office. 309 W 20th St, Suite 1300, Cheyenne, WY 82001, Phone: 307-633-4225
