veterans

‘I can walk alongside you’: program creates a network of peer support for veterans

Hannah Habermann

Veterans Talking to Veterans trains veterans and their spouses to be trauma-informed coaches, who then host weekly meetings around the state.

A woman with short hair and glasses stands in front of a display of paper taped on the wall. The largest sheet says “Hidden disabilities, chronic pain.”

Open Spaces

‘It does impact how you feel about your job’: a VA nurse reflects on return to office orders

Hannah Habermann

This spring, the VA mandated telework and remote employees to return to the office. A nurse who coordinates home health care shares her thoughts on that transition and its impacts.

Open Spaces

Return-to-office orders could violate standards of patient privacy, VA healthcare providers say

Hannah Habermann

The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the process of downsizing, aiming to cut 15% of its workforce: roughly 80,000 employees. The agency is also calling workers back to the office in the next few weeks.

A brown sign at the University of Wyoming describes the different departments housed at Knight Hall, including “Graduate School” and “Scholarships & Financial Aid.” Behind the sign there is snow on the ground and a tall brown-brick building.

Politics & Government

Veteran mental health and the Hathaway: Two UW related bills move through the Legislature

Hannah Habermann

Two bills related to the University of Wyoming made moves through the Legislature this week. One would create a student loan repayment program for veterans who provide mental health care to other vets, and the other is related to the Hathaway Scholarship.

An older man and a younger woman smile for the camera

Open Spaces

A second lieutenant in the U.S. Army looks back on a long career full of twists and turns

Tor Evenstad

A couple of summers ago, the nonprofit StoryCorps hosted an oral history project here in Wyoming, in which veterans and their families recorded honest and personal stories about their military experience. This time, 64-year-old Tim Shepard looks back on his extensive military career, sharing the wisdom he has learned along the way with StoryCorps' Military Voices Manager Hazel Diaz.

A man walks through buildings toward the Wyoming Capitol Building. The entire photo is overlaid with a blue and red cross fade and "The Road to Cheyenne, Wyoming Public Media" superimposed over it.

Open Spaces

The Road to Cheyenne: northeast races and the Republicans trying to oust Barrasso

Kamila Kudelska

This week, we’re looking at state legislative races in the northeast corner of the state and we’ll take a deeper look at the Republicans challenging U.S. Senator John Barrasso in the primary.The Road to Cheyenne is our special series previewing the primary elections.

Open Spaces

Mother and daughter remember the grandmother who joined the Navy at only 16

Tor Evenstad

A couple of summers ago, the non-profit StoryCorps hosted an oral history project here in Wyoming in which veterans and their families recorded honest and personal stories about their military experience. We’re grateful to share those conversations now with our listeners. Today, we hear from 61-year-old Dianne Burner and her mother, Demi, as they recount fond memories of Dianne’s grandmother who joined the Navy in World War I, and stress the importance of passing on family history.

A woman seated at a table holds a miniature tree and snow made out of cotton in her hand. Another woman with red hair stands next to her, ready to fill a small jar to help make a snowglobe. Other people in the background sit at the table, working on crafts, eating and talking.

Health

Female veteran get-togethers across the state aim to create community and connection

Hannah Habermann

Suicide rates for female veterans are more than double that of non-veteran women in the U.S – and suicide rates among female vets have also increased at a much higher rate than their male counterparts. The Sheridan VA is trying to combat those statistics by organizing more opportunities for female veterans to create community, heal and give feedback about their health care needs.

A woman in a camouflage uniform smiles at the camera.

Open Spaces

“A different standard”: Holly Shenefelt on gendered expectations during basic training

Ryan Kelley

A couple of summers ago, the nonprofit StoryCorps hosted an oral history project here in Wyoming in which veterans and their families recorded honest and personal stories about their military experiences. This month, we’re highlighting Colonel Holly Shenefelt and her colleague Jacque Morey as they discuss how gender roles during basic training have changed and why Shenefelt joined the military.

An older man in a wheelchair and blue beanie hat speaks to a white-haired man wearing glasses and a mask. The white-haired man is crouched down and listening intently as the older man talks.

Politics & Government

U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary encourages Wyoming veterans to take advantage of expanded benefits

Hannah Habermann

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough wants Wyoming veterans to know that the agency is there for them. While on a trip around the state at the end of February, McDonough met with veterans, families and staff at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan to connect about how to better support those who have served.