Welcome Them Home: Wyoming’s Voyage of Valor Returns This April

It may seem small, but for many Vietnam-era veterans, those words are deeply healing. It’s something any of us can do—anywhere, anytime.

How You Can Be Part of This

There are several meaningful ways to support the Wyoming veterans and this journey:

• Donate to help make the Voyage of Valor possible. Every gift—whether it helps cover a meal, mobility support, or travel—has a lasting impact.
• Attend the Welcome Home event in Cheyenne and help give these veterans the homecoming they deserve.
• Say “welcome home” when you meet a Vietnam veteran—it matters more than you may realize.

One gift. One moment. One phrase.
All of it helps rewrite history—together.

Meet the Wyoming Veterans of Voyage of Valor 2026

John Rodriguez, 76, of Guernsey, WY, was drafted into the Army in 1973 at the age of 23 and quickly sent to Vietnam, where he spent two years in combat zones. The harsh jungle conditions left him with lasting health issues, while the trauma of war brought on PTSD that he continues to manage today. Returning home to Colorado, John faced rejection and mistreatment as a Vietnam veteran, struggling for years to find stability. Despite these challenges, he has persevered, recently beginning treatment and seeking connections with other veterans. John hopes to visit Washington, D.C. for the first time to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and continue his healing journey.

Pat Fletcher, 86, of Cody, Wyoming, joined the Navy in 1963 after graduating from architecture school and spent most of his service aboard the Red Fin. His time in uniform included volunteering as a diver and navigator, facing tense encounters with Russians during Vietnam, and coping with the loss of 99 shipmates when the Red Fin was sunk while he was on leave. Returning home, he endured hostility toward veterans but built a dignified life in architectural design, family, and community service through the Rotary Club. Later, he battled cancer twice, surviving high-risk surgery in 2017 that left lasting effects on his health and speech. Today, he remains proud of his service, cherishes bonds with fellow submariners, and hopes to honor fallen friends by visiting Washington, D.C.’s memorials as both an architect and veteran.

Richard Howe, 78, of Thermopolis, WY showed determination to serve his country began with three attempts to enlist and finally realized when he was drafted after corrective eye surgery. He served as a medic in Vietnam, tending to the wounded and carrying the heavy memories of war. Upon returning home, Richard devoted himself to family and community, serving 22 years in the Wyoming National Guard, leading his local VFW, and volunteering through his church and children’s schools. He has honored countless veterans as a member of the honor guard, while also raising scholarship funds for Wyoming youth. Today, despite challenges with declining eyesight, Richard continues to seek connection and hopes to visit Washington, D.C. to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Don Sillivan, 76, of Buffalo, WY, was drafted into the Army at age 20 and served as a helicopter crew chief in Vietnam, surviving two shoot-downs and the loss of close comrades. Returning home, he faced stigma as a Vietnam veteran but turned that pain into purpose, dedicating himself to building supportive spaces for fellow servicemen and women. For 48 years, he has been an active member of the American Legion, serving as post president for nearly 35 years and fostering open dialogue among veterans. His proudest community project is the accessible pond at the Buffalo Soldiers Home, where he hosts “Christmas in July” to connect veterans, youth, and families. Today, Don continues to champion healing and connection, looking forward to honoring fallen friends and bonding with fellow veterans on the Voyage of Valor 2026.

Jerry Granquist, 80, of Gillette, Wyoming, was inspired by his three brothers’ service during the Vietnam War and volunteered for the draft upon graduating from high school. During his time in the Army, he served two years abroad in Eastern Germany. For two decades, Jerry demonstrated his passion for liberty by volunteering at every election until health challenges limited his stamina. While he never fought in Vietnam, the war’s impact on his family, shaped Jerry and his decision to serve. His wish to join the VOV 2026 trip reflects his desire to honor those he lost, celebrate his own service, and gain deeper understanding by listening to fellow veterans’ experiences.

Norman “John” Ferrero, 80, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was drafted into the Army at age 19 and served for two years in Vietnam, primarily managing guns and supplies for his unit. Today, he continues to honor veterans through his active volunteer work with the American Legion and VFW, often serving in the color guard at funerals, parades, and ceremonies. While in Vietnam, John lost his best friend and three other close friends in combat, a loss that still weighs heavily on him. He hopes to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to say his final goodbyes and reflect on his experiences, acknowledging the complicated emotions of being one of the “lucky ones” who returned 

Jeffery “Jeff” Ferguson, 71, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was inspired by his brothers’ service in Vietnam and enlisted in the Navy in 1974, serving until 1977. Though he was spared from deployment to Vietnam due to social pressures in the U.S., Jeff was stationed in Barbados, where he carried classified messages between offices, often with a briefcase handcuffed to him. While life circumstances prevented him from formally volunteering, Jeff now focuses on helping his neighbors and living by his motto of kindness. Though he never served in Vietnam directly, the war deeply affected him and his family, and he hopes to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor those who sacrificed and reflect on its lasting impact.

Michael “Mike” Rogers, 76, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was drafted into the Army at age 21 and spent three years in service, including two years in Vietnam working in a secure facility transmitting messages to Washington, D.C. Though he often downplays his experiences, Mike continues to live with the lasting effects of Agent Orange exposure. Today, he and his wife, Laurel, are dedicated volunteers with the AARP Action Team in Wyoming. Mike hopes to join the Voyage of Valor 2026 trip, where he can reflect on his service, honor its impact, and take an important step toward acknowledging the trauma and legacy of the war.

Ronald Titterington, 80, of Pavillion, Wyoming, enlisted in the Marines at 19 after realizing college wasn’t for him, and served from 1965 through 1967. During his service, Ronald spent two years in Vietnam, where he built supply roads, dug fox holes, recovered damaged vehicles, and delivered supplies under helicopter protection. Though he returned home physically unharmed, the emotional toll of war stayed with him, and he spent decades haunted by memories of his time overseas. Today, Ronald is proud of the progress he has made through therapy and hopes to continue his healing journey as a member of the Voyage of Valor 2026 trip.

Thomas Lovato, 72, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was eager to continue his family’s tradition of military service and joined the Army shortly after he graduated from high school. For six years, Thomas served as a wheel mechanist, working in Germany and Ft. Bliss, Texas. Since his training prepared him to work on “anything with wheels”, he could plug in wherever he was needed. After his military service, Thomas relocated to Wyoming and built a successful career as a Mission Tortilla distributor. Like many Vietnam-era veterans, Thomas has felt his service has been overlooked and looks forward to celebrating a chapter of his life long forgotten.

Karl Pivik, 81, of Green River, Wyoming, served in the U.S. Army’s 8th RRFS as a communications specialist in Vietnam. After eight close friends perished in a helicopter crash he was originally assigned to, Karl committed his life to honoring those who never returned home. Today, he volunteers with the American Legion and tends graves at the National Cemetery. Visiting Washington, D.C. is his chance to say a final goodbye.

Joseph Petty, 77, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, enlisted in the Navy at 20 and completed five tours to Vietnam. After exposure to Agent Orange and a life-altering injury, Joseph returned home to mistreatment. Healing came through martial arts and mentorship. Voyage of Valor offers him long-awaited closure and respect.

Raymond Morton, 77, of Sheridan, WY, was drafted into the Army in 1968 and wounded during an ambush in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart. He lives with lasting health conditions but remains deeply committed to family and community. Visiting Washington, D.C. will be his first chance to honor fallen comrades.

Valinda Jewell, 70, of Sheridan, WY, enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps as a military journalist. After enduring military sexual trauma, she found healing decades later through community and education. Visiting Washington, D.C. represents connection, honor, and reclaimed patriotism.

Paul Perez, 79, of Rock Springs, WY, was drafted into the Army in 1967 and fought in the Battle of Dak To, earning a Purple Heart. After recovering, he built a 42-year career rooted in integrity. Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is his chance to honor fallen friends.