Wish of a Lifetime and AARP Wyoming Prepare to Send 15 Vietnam Era Veterans to Washington, DC, for Voyage of Valor

Richard Howe, 78, of Thermopolis, demonstrated a determination to serve his country, beginning with three attempts to enlist and culminating in his being 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, DC, to honor fallen friends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Don Sillivan, 76, of Buffalo, 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, 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 deepen his understanding by listening to fellow veterans’ experiences.

Norman “John” Ferrero, 80, of Rock Springs, 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 home.

Jeffery “Jeff Ferguson, 71, of Sheridan, 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, 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, was drafted into the Army at age 21 and served for three years, including two years in Vietnam, working in a secure facility transmitting messages to Washington, DC. 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, 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 foxholes, 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.  For Ronald, traveling to Washington, DC, is a chance to reconnect with his love for his country and reclaim a piece of his identity that he has long stifled. Together with other veterans, Ronald will be able to celebrate and honor his service and recognize that his sacrifices have not been forgotten.

Thomas Lovato, 72, of Rock Springs, 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, often using his problem-solving skills to get all sorts of equipment up and running.  After his military service, Thomas relocated to Wyoming and built a successful career in retail as a Mission Tortilla distributor. Outside of work, Thomas continued to give back to the community as a member of the Wyoming National Guard and later became an active volunteer with his local American Legion. Like many Vietnam-era veterans, Thomas has felt that his service has been overlooked, and he looks forward to traveling to Washington, DC, to soak in the history of our nation’s capital and celebrate a chapter of his life that has long been forgotten.

Karl Pivik, 81, of Green River, still carries the weight of his service in Vietnam, where he served in the U.S. Army’s 8th RRFS as a communications specialist. His life changed forever when eight close friends boarded a helicopter he was originally assigned to—only to perish in a tragic crash. This loss has stayed with Karl for nearly six decades and has fueled his unwavering commitment to honor those who never made it home. Today, despite health challenges, Karl volunteers with the American Legion and tends graves at the National Cemetery, ensuring every veteran’s sacrifice is remembered. While in Washington DC, Karl hopes to say a final goodbye to the friends he lost in Vietnam and find a sense of peace and closure he has been searching for.

Joseph Petty, 77, of Rock Springs, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 20 and spent the next four years completing five tours to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Joseph worked in the boiler room, keeping the ship running and ensuring that vital supplies were delivered to bases across the country. Although Joseph did not witness combat first-hand, he was exposed to Agent Orange and suffered a life-altering injury. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Joseph encountered various levels of mistreatment due to his service. As a way to cope, Joseph joined a local martial arts studio and fell in love with the support. Here, he found healing from his trauma and enjoyed mentoring younger students who were also struggling. Being part of the Voyage of Valor trip will help Joseph find long-awaited closure and feel the respect and honor he never received from his time in Vietnam.

Raymond Morton, 77, of Sheridan, was drafted into the Army in 1968. Raymond’s life was forever changed when his convoy was ambushed in Vietnam, leaving him wounded by shrapnel and gunshots. He was discharged in 1969 with a Purple Heart and has lived ever since with lasting health conditions, including those caused by Agent Orange exposure. Despite these challenges, Raymond worked for three decades as a heavy equipment operator at a local coal mine, providing for his children and building a strong family life. In retirement, he remains devoted to his family, helping at a friend’s ranch and volunteering to plow city streets in winter to support his community. Though he has never visited Washington, DC, Raymond wants to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor the comrades he lost and the friends he made during boot camp. For him, Voyage of Valor will be his chance to confront his past and connect with fellow veterans who share his story.

Valinda Jewell, 70, of Sheridan, enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1973 as a military journalist. First station in Germany, she endured isolation and military sexual trauma that weighed on her for decades. Two decades later, she re‑enlisted in the reserves, serving as a cook and later returning to journalism. It was only after this second period of service that she connected with a VA doctor and a women’s support group, helping her understand her trauma and gain community. Outside the military, she spent twenty years teaching in pioneer schools and recently completed a master’s program in consulting with a focus on mental health. Valinda hopes that visiting Washington, DC, will help her honor those lost to the war, connect with fellow veterans, and regain her sense of patriotism.

Paul Perez, 79, of Rock Springs, was drafted into the Army in 1967 and deployed to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division. Paul fought in the Battle of Dak To, where he was trapped in a foxhole, wounded by shrapnel, and witnessed the devastating loss of his friend James. Paul was awarded the Purple Heart and discharged in 1968 after recovering in Japan. Despite the lasting physical and emotional scars of war, he went on to build a 42‑year career as co‑owner of a trucking service and gas station, earning a loyal client base through honest work. Today, Paul hopes to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, to honor his fallen friends, including James, and to pay tribute to all who never returned home.

Welcome Home Rally

The Voyage of Valor comes to an end in spectacular fashion with a welcome home rally scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Lincoln Theater, located at 1615 Central Avenue in Cheyenne.

This is the public’s opportunity to welcome home the group of 15 Wyoming Vietnam-era Veterans from their five-day trip to Washington, DC. The event will begin with a brief 30-minute ceremony to honor and thank our veterans, followed by time to meet with them.

For more information on the welcome home event, visit events.aarp.org/welcomehome or contact Jennifer Baier at jbaier@aarp.org.

How you can support the voyage

The generosity of donors and supporters of The Voyage of Valor has changed lives. There are still several ways to support the effort. They include:

• Give in tribute to a veteran’s service. Whether it’s $17 for lunch or $100 for a wheelchair, every gift is a gesture of gratitude.
• Sign the Wall of Valor: Add your name to a growing tribute of Americans who stand in honor of those who served.
• Offer corporate support: Contact Scott Miller, Director of Business Development for Wish of a Lifetime, at scott@wishofalifetime.org or 303-264-0172.