CHEYENNE – Everyone has their favorite images of military homecomings during the recent Gulf Wars. Maybe it is a father or mother surprising their child or the young soldier getting to see his new baby for the first time. Right here in Rock Springs, many of us remember the sights and sounds of the 1041st coming home from their deployment.

But for soldiers of earlier wars, homecomings were not the fanfare that we see now. In the upcoming legislature, lawmakers will debate Senate File 27 which would designate Interstate 25 from Buffalo to the Colorado border, just south of Cheyenne, as Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Highway.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Jim Anderson, R-Glenrock, Sen. Floyd Esquibel, D-Cheyenne, Rep. Richard Cannady, R-Glenrock, Rep. Dan Kirkbride, R-Chugwater and Rep. Tom Walters, R-Casper.

The proposed bill appropriates the Wyoming Department of Transportation with $10,000 to install proper signage along the portion of I-25. It specifies the funds will not be in the department’s biennium budget but would be appropriated specifically for this project.

If there are funds remaining after WYDOT completes the project, the money will revert back to the state by June 30, 2016. The bills specifically states the funds can not be used for anything else but this project.

If the bill passes it will be the second recent step the Wyoming Legislature has taken to honor veterans who may not have received such a welcome homecoming, especially Vietnam and Korean War veterans. In 2011, the Wyoming Legislature set aside Veterans Welcome Home Day, which is usually recognized at the end of March or the first part of April, to celebrate all veterans.

Upcoming Meet and Greet

There is a Legislative Meet-and-Greet scheduled at the Homewood Suites located at 60 Winston Drive in Rock Springs on January 6th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.. This informal meet-and-greet is a wonderful opportunity for open communication with those that serve the Sweetwater County.